Los Gatos Students Go Bald for St. Baldrick's Foundation

Students and faculty at Raymond J. Fisher Middle School have been working overtime for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which raises money for childhood cancer research. 

In four years, Fisher students and faculty have collected more than $100,000 in donations for the organization and shaved more than 160 heads!

St. Baldrick's Foundation CEO Kathleen Ruddy was so impressed with Fisher's efforts she attended last Friday's heartwarming event and personally thanked the students for their efforts. 

Amid all of the excitement of money raised and hair being shaved, the event was bittersweet.

Following Ruddy's inspirational speech, two families spoke to the packed gymnasium, including the Briskis who lost their daughter, Alexis, a beloved Fisher Middle School student and star softball player three years ago. 

Alexis' father, Kael, told the crowd his family's appearance was tough for obvious reasons, but lauded the students for their efforts in "defeating the beast" that is childhood cancer. 

Christy Solis, who lost her funny, athletic, Nerf-loving son, Alex, to osteosarcoma not even a year ago, epitomized grace and perseverance, while also thanking the group. To hear these families express gratitude to their childrens' peers made the event all the more poignant.  

As of Friday Fisher raised more than $20,000. More than 40 heads—34 students, seven teachers and one community member—were shaved. Barbers and stylists from several Los Gatos salons, including Jigsaw, Maddox Kai, and The Los Gatos Barber Shop donated their time and shearing talents.

But their effort didn't end when the lunch bell rang—the kids and teachers are still fundraising. 

To help Fisher Middle School reach its goal of $30,000 and beyond, please make a donation at http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/FisherMiddleSchool