Schaumburg High raises nearly $70,000 for St. Baldrick's return

Posted March 22, 2022 11:00 pm

Submitted by Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211

Schaumburg High School junior Allison Flondro began her St. Baldrick's head-shaving by donating long locks of hair to charity. She's been growing it out since she was a freshman, awaiting the day to make a difference. Courtesy of District 211

Schaumburg High School junior Allison Flondro spent years preparing for this day.

On March 17, it arrived. The high school - as part of a more than decadelong tradition - hosted a St. Baldrick's fundraiser for cancer research, and that meant Flondro was getting her long hair shaved off.

"I've been growing my hair out since freshman year just for this," said Flondro, who raised more than $1,400 for the cause before 20 inches of her hair was shorn.

"I decided to do this because almost everyone knows someone who is affected by cancer. Those who are battling cancer deserve a chance to live on. I hope, with the money we raised, we can help give them that chance."

Supporters and organizers of Schaumburg High School's St. Baldrick's events, some with heads freshly shaved, hold up signs showing how much they'd raised so far during the school fundraiser. Courtesy of District 211

Flondro's hair will be donated to the nonprofit Children with Hair Loss.

"I couldn't be prouder of her," said Stephanie Wildman, Flondro's mother. "She wanted to stand in solidarity with family members who lost their hair to cancer."

The event, which returned for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, far surpassed its $50,000 goal, raising nearly $70,000.

Principal Brian Harlan, flanked by his family - some of whom helped with the shaving - gets his head shorn in name of childhood cancer research. Courtesy of District 211

Since 2010, the school has raised more than $500,000.

"This has been a huge community-building event," said Principal Brian Harlan, who also got his head shaved at the fundraiser as his family watched.

"It shows how open we are to supporting each other, and really being there for our community, to come together for the greater good."

For school nurse Melanie Hopkins, this year's event had a special meaning. Her daughter Anya, a seventh grader, was diagnosed with cancer in 2020.

"I'm thrilled we were able to have something this year," Hopkins said. "It always means a lot to me, but this year hits a little more to the heart."

Anya attended the event flanked by friends.

"It feels good to know you have so many people that are there for you at a time when you felt that you had no one," Anya said.

For details about Schaumburg High's participation in St. Baldrick's Day and a link for donations, visit stbaldricks.org/events/SchaumburgHS2022.

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