St. Baldrick's fundraisers return to Chicago area

 CHICAGO (CBS)-- St. Baldrick's is back and three local groups are going bald for a good cause. 

The Crown Point Community Schools, Edison Park Chamber of Commerce and Midwestern University SOMA are all participating in the head-shaving event to raise money for childhood cancer research.

CBS 2's Jackie Kostek got a preview of one of the events at Crown Point High School. Brave students got their head shaved live on air, including one student who grew out his hair all year in preparation for his third St. Baldrick's. 

"I just really support the cause," A student said. "I don't mind getting my head shaved."

Another student was motivated to participate after his grandma lost her battle with cancer. He now wants to help raise money for research. 

Angie Keaveney a teacher and sponsor of Key Club at Crown Point High School said the group has a goal of raising $50,000.

"It really says a lot about the heart of people here in Crown Point," Keaveney said. 

Haven at just 6 years old has been fighting cancer for two years. She is attending the fundraiser with her mom who said the diagnoses came at the peak of COVID. Hayden is getting treatment at Lurie Children's Hospital. 

"She's doing amazing and she has three months to go," Hayden's mom told CBS 2. 

Haven's sisters said she is "strong and brave." 

In the last 13 years, this event has raised over $702,000. 

The event a Midwestern University through the SOMA program in Downers Grove will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be raffles and live music. 

Kostek visited and talked with Midwestern head-shaving participant Ashley D'Amico who said said her decision stems from her daughter's medical conditions. Her hair will be donated. 

"It's personal for me, she doesn't necessarily have cancer, but it's a nice way for me to give back for kids that do," D'Amico said. 

"Help raise more money for a good cause," Phil Cullen, owner of Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant, said. 

Eight-year-old Liam was getting his head shaved Wednesday afternoon in Edison Park. It was the second time he joined St. Baldrick's to help raise money for kids suffering from cancer. 

"I really like helping people, and that's why," he told CBS 2's Shardaa Gray

Fellow shave Michael Neri said it's a great cause to support.

"It's, in my heart, the least that I can do, and my family can do for kids that are stricken with cancer. It might not seem like a lot, but inside our hearts, and the money we raise to help awareness of this does a lot for the whole organization, and to help out the families that are dealing with the sickness of cancer," he said.