Nursing Students Go Bald to Support Childhood Cancer Research
February 27, 2025
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest charity funder of children's cancer research grants, will host one of its signature head-shaving events at Hudson Valley Community College’s McDonough Sports Complex, Saturday, April 12, from noon to 4 p.m.
Students, faculty and community members will shave their heads to raise money for lifesaving childhood cancer research, and community members are invited to attend the carnival-themed celebration, sign up to become a “shavee,” and meet local families impacted by childhood cancer.
This is the second consecutive year the event will be hosted by the Niemond Zonders Club, the official student organization of the college’s Nursing program. Last year’s event raised more than $15,000.
The event will feature family-friendly activities, including DJ D. Scott from Jamz 96.3 FM, Silly Snaps Photobooth, face painting, caricature drawings by artist Chris Bentley, and a drawing for a brand-new bicycle donated by Upstate Bicycle Works in Troy. There is no fee for members of the community to attend, and donations are voluntary. Advanced registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.
Every two minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer worldwide, and in the U.S. one in five kids diagnosed won’t survive. Even for kids who do survive, by the time they’re 50, more than 99 percent have had a chronic health problem and 96 percent have experienced severe or life-threatening conditions.
Nursing students and faculty will be among the first to participate in the challenge. Kate Rodriguez, associate professor of nursing and lead advisor of the Neimond Zonders Club, shared her personal motivation for bringing the event to campus.
“Cancer touches everyone's life at some point, and children are so innocent and vulnerable to this horrible disease,” said Rodriguez, whose father died of cancer when she was still an infant. “Our Nursing students embody the compassion and commitment needed to care for our community. Through this event, we have the power to do just that.”
“St. Baldricks has been in my life for over 10 years now, and I’m glad to be a part of it again,” said Hudson Valley Business Administration Student Christian Rasmussen. “Childhood cancer has terribly affected kids like me for too long now.”
"Pediatric cancer research remains vastly underfunded, with only 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute's budget allocated to this cause. As parents and advocates, we rally for greater support, knowing that research is pivotal in developing safer, more effective treatments tailored to children,” said Christian’s mother, Luanne. “Today, as Christian stands cured at nineteen, we express gratitude to his dedicated medical team and to organizations like St. Baldrick’s, whose commitment to childhood cancer research offers hope for a brighter future."
To participate, visit www.stbaldricks.org/events/HVCC25 and make a donation or register to attend the event.
About the Niemond Zonders Club
The HVCC Niemond Zonders Club was organized by Nursing students to generate interest in the nursing profession and current health issues. Membership is open to all Hudson Valley students. Community-oriented health services are provided through activities that include volunteer work for non-profit organizations such as the Red Cross. Educational activities and fundraising events are scheduled periodically during the year.
About St. Baldrick’s Foundation
Every 2 minutes a child somewhere in the world is diagnosed with cancer. In the U.S., 1 in 5 will not survive. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, is on a mission to give kids a lifetime by supporting the most promising research to find cures and better treatments for all childhood cancers. When you give to St. Baldrick’s, you don’t just give to one hospital – you support virtually every institution with the expertise to treat kids with cancer across the U.S. St. Baldrick’s ensures that children fighting cancer now — and those diagnosed in the future — will have access to the most cutting-edge treatment, by supporting every stage of research, from new ideas in the lab to the development of new therapies, to life-saving clinical trials.