St. John’s University held a St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser on March 9, where students and staff had their heads shaved or hair cut to support pediatric cancer care.
The event aimed to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research, reflecting the university’s commitment to community service and social responsibility. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is recognized as the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants in the United States.
The D’Angelo Center living room was filled with participants and supporters as 25 representatives from St. John’s took part in the event, which was organized by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Government, Inc., and the Office of Student Conduct. By the end of the event, more than $12,700 had been raised toward a goal of $20,000, with fundraising efforts continuing after the final haircut.
“It is great to see St. Baldrick’s back at its ‘alma mater,’ and we are proud to carry on the legacy of John Bender’s good deed that first took hold over 25 years ago,” said Jack Flynn, Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Student Conduct, and haircut volunteer. “The first time I shaved my head, it was in support of a friend whose child was diagnosed with leukemia. She is alive and thriving today. Now, when I participate in these events, I do so because I want to be a visible reminder of the work St. Baldrick’s is doing to improve outcomes for children with cancer.”
Joseph Kinsella, a sophomore accounting major who participated alongside Salvatore—the leading individual fundraiser—said: “This hits home. We are young men ourselves, and seeing young people endure cancer is awful. This effort speaks to the mission and values of our fraternity and our University at large.”
Nicole Torres, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life in the Office of Student Life said: “‘Mighty Madison’ battled with DIPG for 32 months. When we say St. John’s is ‘Faithful to the Mission,’ it is evident in how we come together for events like St. Baldrick’s. It makes me proud to be a part of this community.”
Barber Manny Keith added: “It does not cost you anything to be a good person and contribute to a good cause. We have all been touched by cancer.” Blanca Moreno ’25SJC also participated by trimming her hair instead of shaving it all off: “An event like this raises awareness,” she said. “There is so much excitement here, and the money raised legitimately helps children.”
St. John’s University supports initiatives through its centers and institutes focused on multicultural efforts both locally and globally according to its official website. The university has campuses in Queens and Manhattan as well as international sites in Rome, Paris, and Limerick according to its official website. It operates as a Catholic institution affiliated with the Vincentian Community according to its official website.
St. John’s offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across six schools according to its official website, focusing on liberal arts education within its Catholic Vincentian tradition according to its official website. Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., serves as president according to its official website.
Looking ahead, organizers hope continued fundraising will help reach their $20,000 goal while maintaining support for pediatric cancer research.
