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St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research

News of the Diocese

March 31, 2022

St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research
St. Bernadette students ‘Brave the Buzz,’ raise funds for childhood cancer research

The gym at St. Bernadette School in Westlake was a lively place the morning of March 25 as more than a dozen barbers/hair stylists prepared to shave the heads of students and others who helped raise more than $95,000 for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, far surpassing the school’s $60,000 goal for Brave the Buzz 5. (See photo gallery above.)

St. Baldrick’s has raised more than $312 million to provide research grants to doctors and scientists at more than 380 institutions as they pursue cures for childhood cancer and make clinical trials available to children.

The cause is important to the St. Bernadette community because one of their own – Michael Orbany – was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in October 2010. He was able to attend the first Brave the Buzz in 2014, before losing his cancer battle in May 2014 at age 9. The event as dedicated to Michael.

His mother, Georgianne, addressed the crowd before the shaving commenced, thanking the “warriors who are always there.” Michael’s dad, Steven, and his brother, Matthew, also attended the event. Steven Orbany and many members of Michael’s class at St. Bernadette – now high school seniors – attended and had their heads shaved in his honor.

Father Phil Racco, St. Bernadette pastor, opening the event with a prayer as those who raised funds and volunteered to have their heads shaved got ready.

Some students donated 12 inches or more of their hair to be used for wigs. Others had their heads shaved completely by the volunteer barbers/stylists. Some of the students who donated their hair also had their heads shaved.

Father Kevin Fox, St. Bernadette parochial vicar, joined in the excitement as he had his hair and beard trimmed. Father Fox said he agreed to the trim while helping raise funds for what he called a worthy cause.

Among the first group of shavees were Ruby Stilla, a first-grader, and Maggie Chambers, a fourth-grader. Both donated 12 or more inches of hair before having their heads shaved and receiving a shamrock crown. This was the second time that Maggie, who also was the largest fundraiser, had her head shaved.

Jackson Janosek participated in the event in memory of his grandfather, who died recently from lymphoma. Jackson, 11, shared a little of his personal story, noting that when he was 6 he was diagnosed with leukemia and was unable to do many of the things kids enjoy. “I had support from everyone in the school and my family and friends,” he said, adding he has been cancer-free for about five years. This year was his fourth time participating in Brave the Buzz.

Students didn’t have to shave their heads to help support the cause. A group of girls raised funds and was able to get their hair braided by older students.

There also were opportunities to purchase T-shirts, hair scrunchees, bracelets and other things with proceeds benefiting the cause.

There was plenty of lively music in the gym as those in the stands cheered for the shaves. The St. Bernadette Bulldog cheerleaders helped pump up the crowd. Students waiting their turn to have their heads shaved were seated in one area of the gym and were bouncing beach balls. Meanwhile, the bulldog mascot made the rounds in the gym offering high-fives and waving to the crowd.

The core committee for Brave the Buzz 5 included Mary Sue Anders, a third grade teacher, who was the lead organizer and treasurer; Debbie Chincar, treasurer; Mary Beth Sullivan, shave recruiter; Mandy Carbon, barber coordinator; Jen Niehaus, volunteer coordinator; Amy Burke, T-shirt coordinator; Katie Cousineau, event activities coordinator and Lauren DeFazio, media/PR coordinator.

“I am so proud of the whole school community, from the teachers who organized the event to the shaves and those who raised money by buying a bracelet or making a card,” said Maureen Goodwin, St. Bernadette principal.

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