St. Baldrick's Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for pediatric cancer research, announces its first quarter successes! The Foundation kicked off 2010 with the inaugural Research Priorities Summit in January; followed by the announcement of its newest corporate sponsor Barbicide® (a product of King Research); and finished out the quarter strong with the 10-year anniversary of the first head-shaving event in March. Over the past three months, the organization has set records in regards to funds raised for pediatric cancer research, number of heads shaved and events held across the globe.
"The successful start to 2010 is truly a testament to the dedication of our shavees, volunteer event organizers and all of our supporters," says Kathleen Ruddy, executive director for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. "I've never experienced such a palpable and barely contained energy and excitement about St. Baldrick's and our Foundation's promise for children with cancer. I feel honored to work with these remarkable volunteers and tremendously proud that they have built this organization into a global leader for funding childhood cancer research. We encourage our supporters to keep up the momentum into the spring and summer. It's never too late to get involved or brave a shave!"
The Research Priorities Summit, held in January, brought together some of the most noted pediatric oncology researchers and helped the Foundation identify key priorities for research initiatives that will have the strongest impact in the fight against childhood cancer. In February, St. Baldrick's announced the generous donation of products and support from Barbicide. On March 17, St. Baldrick's observed its 10-year anniversary of head-shaving events by shaving co-founder and board member, Enda McDonnell's head, live on CBS's "The Early Show."
Looking at the numbers, St. Baldrick's raised more than $14.9 million in the first quarter of 2010. To date, the Foundation has raised more than $16.7 million – tracking well ahead of how much money had been raised this time last year. This has been accomplished by shaving more than 34,250 heads, of which more than 3,350 were women – already surpassing the yearly goal of 2,500 female shavees for 2010. The number of Facebook fans also increased by more than 5,000, totaling more than 20,700.
The strong start doesn't mean the fight to cure childhood cancer is over, your support is still needed. With more than 160,000 children worldwide diagnosed with cancer, and with less than three percent of all cancer research funding going to pediatric cancer – St. Baldrick's still needs your help. To locate or organize an event in your community, pledge to shave or donate money, visit StBaldricks.org. You can also become a fan on Facebook, follow St. Baldrick's on Twitter and visit the St. Baldrick's YouTube channel to see the buzz behind St. Baldrick's.
About The St. Baldrick's Foundation
The St. Baldrick's Foundation makes grants to research institutions to find new cures for childhood cancer, and to find treatments to ensure a better quality of life for patients and survivors. The Foundation funds research projects conducted by established pediatric cancer experts, as well as younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. Funds also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, offering the best available care for every child. The St. Baldrick's Foundation is grateful to its many volunteers (bald or not!), donors and sponsors, including Allied World, Barbicide, Dowling & Partners, elope and PartnerRe. For more information about St. Baldrick's, please call 1-888-899-BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.
Contacts:
For St. Baldrick's Foundation
Jayme Palumbo, 919-334-3779
jayme.palumbo@fleishman.com
