Record number of Saltus shavees for St Baldrick’s

Saltus has already hit its fundraising goal of $75,000 for the St Baldrick’s Foundation before a head has even been shaved.

And there are a record number of students, 44, in total who will watch their hair fall to the ground tomorrow morning.

In addition, teacher Karen Lusher and three fathers will also shave their heads.

Ms Lusher has decided to shave her head because she has recurrent breast cancer and is due to start chemotherapy next month.

Speaking on the amount of students participating, Ms Lusher said: “I think what it means is that as a school, what we’re doing is getting the word out and promoting an awareness that we can contribute and make in difference in the lives of other people and this is one way where our kids can identify with other kids who are going through cancer.”

This is Ms Lusher’s first year participating in the event.

“In the past, we have had staff members shave their heads. Last year Laurel Burgess shaved her head along with Brittany Adams.

“The kids are aware that we do it. We have had kids who sign up early in March.

“We make an announcement and anyone who’s interested will get in touch with Laurel or Brittany.

Asked why she decided to participate, Ms Lusher said: “I have cancer but it doesn’t have me. I’m choosing to shave my head because I’m going through cancer treatment.

“I was diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer in October and will be going through chemo in April.

“This is my way of making this choice to lose my hair before the choice is made for me.”

She continued: “I think it’s a way of taking control maybe also making it my choice.

“To be honest, the Saltus family has been incredibly supportive through all of my treatment.

“I work in an environment where I am surrounded by support. The teachers are great, the students are great, and the parents are great.

“I know other people are going through, maybe not recurrent cancer but it’s such a prevalent thing in the community.

“I find out day after day people are diagnosed with cancer. I think to be seen living a life and moving on is important for the kids.”

Ms Lusher also said that being faced with hair loss could be scary, especially for women.

All the participants will have their heads shaved during the assembly between 8:30 and 9:30am tomorrow morning.

Later that day, three secondary students will participate in the St Baldrick’s event at BAA.

The school planned to raise $75,000 but as of this afternoon, $76,346.65 has been counted.

“It’s growing every hour. Every hour, we have more people going on the website and making contributions”, Ms Lusher added.

To donate to the cause, visit www.stbaldricks.org.