The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY – Fay Cerullo has organized a St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser for March 13th at the Liberty Fire House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise money for pediatric cancer research.

Every year, tens of thousands of volunteer “shavees” shave their heads in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family.

This is Liberty’s 4th annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser, started after Cerullo’s son Ryan was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.

“Our involvement with St. Baldrick’s began in 2005, when Ryan, then 15years old, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” said Cerullo. “While in treatment at Westchester Medical Center, we met a family whose son had non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. They had already been involved with St. Baldrick’s fundraisers in Nanuet. That spring, we were invited to be special guests by the organizer, Vinny Garrison, who now runs St. Baldrick’s Fundraisers at Dominican College in Orangeburg, NY. The spirit and energy of the volunteers was so contagious that I decided to bring St. Baldrick’s to Liberty.”

“At the time, five other kids in our area were also sick or recuperating from cancer,” added Cerullo. It moved her to action, and so far over $50,000 has been raised for pediatric cancer research.

St. Baldrick’s is a non-profit organization that raises and donates funds to pediatric cancer research. One of the amazing things that I learned is that St. Baldrick’s had previously donated to Ryan’s hospital and to the group that developed the chemotherapy protocol that helped to save Ryan’s life. With a connection like that it seemed like fate that I should be so involved with St. Baldrick’s.

“This year there’s a new twist,” said Cerullo. “Since Ryan left for college, my son Dillon has taken the lead as the student organizer. Liberty High School is presenting the musical Grease on March 19 and 20, and Dillon has the role of Kinickie, the second rough and tough guy. Drew Maier has the role of Roger, another Greaser. Dan McConnell, Liberty High School band director, Dillon, and Drew will all need their hair for the play. So, we’ve arranged for them to shave on stage immediately following the last performance on Saturday night. We’re hoping that the audience will help donate and stay to see the Greasers shave their hair for pediatric cancer research!”

Cerullo would like folks to understand that while times are tough and people are struggling more than in the past, the sad truth is that kids are still getting sick with cancer.

“Cancer knows no boundaries. It strikes indiscriminately,” Cerullo said. “That’s why I keep fighting this battle. Ryan’s well now. Thank God he’s been in remission for four years, but this is not the time to sit back on my laurels and take it easy. Not only do we have to be vigilant to watch his health, but we have to continue to fight for all kids who are sick or could get sick with cancer. The nightmare is still very real in my memory. I won’t let it fade for all the other children who could benefit from my energy.”

This year the event at the Liberty Fire House includes two barbers so far. The lead barber is Erin Allen from Image of Beauty. The other barber is Melanie Polomcean from Beauty Control.

If anyone is willing to volunteer their time, please contact Fay Cerullo at 845 707-3618.

You can also learn more, donate or register to shave directly on our St. Baldricks website page http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/eventid/4050/eventyear/2010