Update: Since this article was written, Sachem has actually crossed the $45,000 mark in donations. Also, see below for a complete list of participants from this year’s event.
Another year, another monstrous outpouring of support for Sachem’s St. Baldrick’s event held at Sachem East on Monday, March 18. In a combined effort between Sachem East Sequoya, they raised more than $43,000.
In a bold statement of solidarity with kids with cancer, more than 115 volunteers shaved their heads at the St. Baldrick’s event to raise money for childhood cancer research.
Why all the shaved heads? Worldwide a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes, and one in five children diagnosed in the U.S. will not survive. With only four percent of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, St. Baldrick’s Foundation volunteers, supporters and donors are needed to continue the battle against this devastating disease.
Sachem was able to surpass its goal of $25,000 because of the generosity of its students, staff and community. Most notable are the honorees: Megan G., a Sachem East senior and Melanoma survivor, Nicole I. and Kristine C. recent Sachem East graduates, who are currently under treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
All three incredible young ladies stepped up to help raise funds so that in the future others may benefit from research. Joseph I., Thomas V. and one of the school’s treasurers Teri M. were “Knighted”; this means they are 7 year participants. Joseph’s sister was one of the honorees.
Two of Sachem’s participants were eight year participants. Philip K. was shaved in memory of his little sister, Kelly Kramer, who died of childhood cancer in 2008. Jonathan K. was shaved in memory of his childhood friend George Valarezo.
The Squires of St. Baldrick’s Team is an amazing group of students and staff. Every year they are a positive force in the community. They are one of the top fundraising teams led by teacher Jay Berger. Team Kristine and Team Nicole were also teams created for our honorees.
Team WOJ Needs to Shave included some football players and of course Coach Wojciechowski. The football team became involved four years ago because of alum Gerry Ahearn, who was in treatment at the time. Ahearn, who became an icon of inspiration in the Sachem community, battled Ewing’s Sarcoma. Through many surgeries, the loss of his own hair and agonizing chemotherapy sessions, Ahearn went through a lot.
Among some of the high profile shavees were assistant principals John Galligan and Carol Todaro.
Sachem East has more than $125,000 for St. Baldrick’s since 2010.
This year close to 40 Sequoya Middle School students joined in the charitable actions. Sequoya has participated since 2008 under the guidance of Doreen Schaefer and has been able to raise over $100,000 as well. In fact they helped Sachem East begin their St. Baldrick’s tradition.
About the St. Baldrick’s Foundation: The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. Since 2005, St. Baldrick’s has awarded more than $101 million to support lifesaving research, making the Foundation the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants. St. Baldrick’s funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow.
Funds awarded also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, which may be a child’s best hope for a cure. For more information about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation please call 1.888.899.BALD or visit www.StBaldricks.org.
List of participants from the event
Teachers/Administrators
- Ms. Carol Todaro raised over $2,000.00
- Mark Wojciechowski raised $1,500.00
- Frank D’Abramo raised over $490.00
- Mr. L. Antonetti, Principal
- Mr. A. Larson, Assistant Principal
- Mr. J. Galligan, Assistant Principal
- Mr. Jay Berger, Squires of St. Baldrick’s Advisor
- Mr. Greg Wrightson, Squire
- Mr. J. Toto, Squire
- Mr. Kevin Antos and son
- Mr. Ken Dobbins
- Mr. Justin Cellini
- Mr. Joe Coffey
- Mr. Gregory Cappellini, Samoset
Hair extensions
- Ms. Dorrie Downs
- Ms. Arlene Gillespie
- Ms. Doreen Young
- Ms. Patricia Broderick
Alumni who shaved
- Matthew Arthur
- Nico Merone
- Dan Barletta
Families of Honorees who shaved
- The Garofalo family
- Joseph Iorio, Also “knighted” this year
Knights (7 year participants)
- Teri Martinez, treasurer
- Joseph Iorio
- Thomas Vissichelli* Helped start St. Baldrick’s tradition in Sachem!
Top student fundraisers (Over $1,000 at last count)
- Jillian Weynand
- Mark Rostern
- John Hoffmann
- Matt Rubbo
- Thomas McCarthy
- Dan Bucholz
- Thomas Vissichelli
- Bobby Ramsey
Top Teams
- Squires of St. Baldrick’s
- Team Kristine
- Team Nicole
- Sachem East Football Coach WOJ needs to Shave
Sachem East staff and others who helped make St. Baldrick’s a great event
- Chris Kozlowsky: Register and organizer
- Marissa Boscia: Barbers and organizer
- Jay Berger: Squires of St. Baldrick’s, “Wear Blue Jeans Wednesdays”, Organizer
- Lori Hewlett: Help day of event
- Trish Auletta: Certificates and name tags
- Keith Connelly: Photos, posters, etc.
- Lauren Lewonka: Bulletin Boards
- Kathy Schimmoller: Program
- Madelyn Haussner and Jessica Schnall: Printing of labels, etc.
- Arlene Gillespie: Cookies for volunteers and fundraising
- Matt Rivera: Emcee and Lucky Charms, and Homeroom Blitz
- Bill Kropp: Lucky Charms and Homeroom Blitz
- Transition students: Hanging posters and signs
- Anna Chung and Jill Carroccia: organization
- Sandy Tardy and Liz Manning: Announcements
- Randi Chisari: Locks of Love
- Sal DiPuma: Homeroom Blitz
- Maureen Abate: coverage
- Teri Martinez and Dawn Vissichelli: Parent treasurers from East
- Doreen Schaefer and Cheryl Haughie: Organized Sequoya crew
- Custodial Staff at East: Set up and clean-up of stage, etc.
(Official release of Sachem Central School District)