Each year, people across the country use this time of year to shave their heads to help raise money for cancer research, specifically to find cures for childhood cancers. St. Baldtrick’s Foundation holds events nationwide, including right here in the Southern Tier. In recent years, brave souls have said goodbye to their hair for a good cause at Candor American Legion, and one local boy has added his name to the list. Zack Watson was just five years old the first time he shaved his head for cancer four years ago, and the reason for the youngster getting involved was simple.
But Zack’s story goes beyond just losing hair, and it’s more about what’s been gained by the 9-year-old’s efforts. In that first year alone, Zack was able to raise over $4,800 for St. Baldtrick’s. With that kind of money being raised by such a young kid, a number of different fundraisers are used to support Zack’s cause.
Zack’s father, Rick, manages the book store on the campus of Ithaca College, and has the dollar shamrocks available at the registers to support Zack’s cause. Rick says that alone is a big money-raiser.
In four years of St. Baldtrick’s, the 9-year-old has raised over $11,000. If you’d like to get involved in donating to Zack’s cause as he shaves his hair this weekend, hair that’s been growing since last year’s event, you can go on the St. Baldtrick’s website, and search for either Candor, New York, or Zack’s specific page, which is listed under Zachary W. Currently Zack is close to $2,300 raised but the more help, the merrier. Zack’s goal for this year is $5,000.
