Students, Teachers Shave Their Heads for Cancer Fundraiser

ERMA — Students at the Richard M. Teitelman School raised $20,000 for childhood cancer research in an event Fri. March 16 that caused teachers, students and administrators to go bald.
Hair stylists were stationed around the gym of the middle school to give the ultimate haircut, everything off the top, back, front and sides. The event known as St. Baldrick’s Day is held throughout the nation.
Teitelman Principal Gregory Lasher said the event was held in honor of a staff member with a grandchild with cancer.
“I cannot begin to explain to you how impressed I am that 535 students in this school took the time and initiative to raise over $20,000,” he said. “It was only a couple of days ago that I said I’d have my head shaved if we hit $10,0000, less than a week ago.
Teacher Anthony D’Aleo said every student should be proud to be a member of the school district for their good work.
Katie Arenberg said her daughter, Layton, age 3, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia last November. She said her daughter endured multiple blood and platelet transfusions and bone marrow aspirations.
Arenberg said Layton began chemotherapy immediately after her diagnosis. Her age and being female gives her an extremely high cure rate, around 96 percent, said Arenberg.
“What Layton is going through is horrible and she goes through so much it’s hard to comprehend,” said Arenberg. “The surgery, tests and side effects of chemo are hard on her but she still manages to keep a smile on her face.”
She said Layton is aware she will lose the rest of her hair but knows it will grow back.
“Although now she points out every person with a shaved head and asks loudly if they have cancer,” said Arenberg.
She thanked students for sitting outside stores or collecting money with jars.
“St. Baldrick’s donates more money to pediatric cancer research than any private organization in the U.S. besides the U.S. government,” said Arenberg.
Teitelman Vice Principal Erik Simonsen known for a full head of hair and a slight resemblance to Elton John, surrendered all his hair to the cause. Initially, his hair was cut into a Mohawk and he appeared as if he could play in a 1980’s punk band but in the end his head was shaved.
Lower Cape May Regional High School Principal Joe Castellucci also lost his hair for the cause, something he has done in previous St. Baldrick’s events.
Teacher Paul Schulte has his head shaved along with a number of students.
Teacher Roy Wright introduced 13-year old Jeffrey DeVico, who has recovered from cancer. Wright said DeVico was living proof that the money raised by St. Baldrick’s “works.”