WALDEN- For Robbie Brown of Walden, it’s personal. Robbie lost his cousin, Megan Dunn at the age of 7 to leukemia. Sixteen years ago, Brown turned his grief into action and founded the Hudson Valley Chapter of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation which has raised more than $640,000 since its inception to help fight childhood cancer.
Children, teens, and even infants are diagnosed with cancer every day, and the purpose of the St. Baldrick’s event is to raise funds for research to find cures. Participants are sponsored by family, friends, and local businesses to shave their heads in solidarity with children who typically lose their hair during cancer treatment.
After hosting the event for a decade, Brown handed the reigns to Kristie Hall and Tina Quinlan, who now serve at the event’s organizers.
Brown has been shaving his head every year for the past 16. This year, he asked his new State Senator, Rob Rolison, to do the honors and shave the mullet he had been growing out for the past year. Brown was one of dozens of volunteers to sign up to shave their head at the popular event.
Saturday’s fundraiser brought in more than $50,000–well above the fundraising goal.
“I look forward to the event again next year,” said Brown. “I want to thank the event organizers, as well as all of the volunteers and sponsors who pitched in this year, and every year, to make this event a success.”
