Algonquin community members to shave heads for a good cause

Greg Freund has been a frequent participant and volunteer in the annual Shamrock Shave since St. Margaret Mary Parish started the event nearly a decade ago. But this year, having his head shaved for charity holds a different meaning for the Algonquin father.

Freund's 14-year-old daughter, Talia, was diagnosed last summer with metastatic Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. She underwent several rounds of treatment and appeared to be on the path to recovery until this January, when she learned her cancer returned and had spread.

“It changes everything,” Freund said. “It's a whole new world when doctors come to you and give you this diagnosis. You enter this whole new normal.”

Just as he, Talia and his son, Owen, had done in years past, Freund will be among the dozens of shavers Saturday, March 11, in the ninth annual Shamrock Shave fundraiser at the St. Margaret Mary School's gymnasium, 119 S. Hubbard St., Algonquin.

Proceeds will go to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which supports community families in need, and the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, a cause that has become near to Freund's heart. Last year, the event raised more than $28,000.

“The Shamrock Shave is an awesome, inspiring event that brings the entire community together,” event chairwoman Jonna Burck said.

The event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., includes a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner, live entertainment, raffles, a jig contest and prizes for best Irish costume. Volunteer stylists from local hair salons will begin shaving heads at 6:45 p.m.

Participants can take part individually, or they can form charity challenge teams to have their heads shaved and raise money in groups. Algonquin police and members of the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District are expected to participate.

Event organizers this year have also allowed Freund to create his own group, #TeamTalia. Pledges to that team will go toward Talia's fight against cancer and will also help her fulfill the items on her bucket list, said Freund, who is an alumni of the school and has belonged to the parish since he was born.

“It means a lot to me because this is my church, and here they are now being so gracious and generous in helping make some of Talia's dreams come true,” he said. “Obviously we're not giving up. We're praying and hoping for a miracle, of course, and we're doing everything we can to give her as much time as possible.”

Admission at the door is $1 for children and $2 for adults. For more information, visit saintmargaretmary.org/shave.