Friday, April 23, 2010

St. Baldrick's Day

















Thursday, April 22, 2010 was St. Baldrick's Day here at Hong Kong International School. Ninety people were shaved, including some women and girls. Ryan and a few friends formed "Team Alex" in honor of their friend, also a senior, with lymphoma. Alex is shown in two of the pictures with them (wearing the BYU shirt). He's bald for real as he's still in chemotherapy.

Five HKIS students have cancer. They all stood on the stage while the types of cancer and the stage they are in was explained. Alex didn't enjoy that part.

Andrea, one of Alex's and Ryan's good friend, is also in two of the pictures - wearing red. Alex's sister, Sammi, is pictured with Ryan and Andrea - they're all great friends.

I took videos of the process, with a long one where most of his hair is shaved - leaving him with a mohawk. He yelled during most of that video. Funny. The one included here shows the mohawk and then him losing it, leaving a small clump of hair. The barber then shaved that and left a really tiny piece front and center. It reminded me of a cartoon picture of a baby with one tiny piece of hair. Then that was gone, leaving Ryan bald!

It was a good experience for everyone. Ryan doesn't mind being bald and as Arvid says " At least HIS hair will grow back!" Team Alex raised about $1700. I have no idea how much HKIS raised in total, but I'm sure it was a ridiculously wonderful amount. When I find out, I'll post it. The hope is that many children can be helped in finding cures for cancer through the money raised. Thanks to all who contributed!


From an HKIS newsletter:

St Baldrick Day: “HAIR” TODAY, GONE TOMORROW!

On Thursday, April 22 in the Middle School Gym, that’s exactly what we all witnessed. 100 brave Shavees including students, faculty and parents were shorn to raise funds for childhood cancer research. And thanks to the Shavee’s families, friends and the HKIS community a “hair” raisingHK$1,093,946. was donated to the cause. And that number continues to climb as donations are still coming in!

Hong Kong International School for the third year has been a strong supporter of the World’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. See you all next year!

We have made a difference

3 comments:

The Pickled Red Herring said...

WOO-HOOOOO!!! Nice, Ryan! That is cute that they made a whole production of it, going for the mohawk and such. Very fun. Your shirts are coming - stay bald until then!

Erika said...

I'm sorry Ryan, but I LAUGHED when I saw you without hair. That's awesome though! I didn't know you all raised so much money. That's great news!! Are you still going to be bald when you come out here?

Stefanie Stanley said...

Wow, what an amazing tribute to friendship! I still can't believe this is little Ryan whom we lost at the Teak Factory in Thailand! Katelyn still talks about that day!