St. Bernadette Students ‘Brave the Buzz!’

Maggie Chambers (holding medal) with her father and brother and Georgianne Orbany (middle), mother of Michael Orbany. Maggie, a 2nd grader, completely shaved her hair. She and her broth-er raised over $7,000.

On Friday, February 28th, students of St. Bernadette School stood up against childhood cancers.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of children’s cancer research, hosted one of its signature head-shaving events at the school. Many students and faculty shaved their heads at Brave the Buzz 4 to raise money for the foundation.

It can be an emotional event for participants, but it’s also a celebration of and a tribute to everyday heroes.

Brave the Buzz 4 brings the greater community together to show solidarity with kids fighting cancer. There were speakers, music and entertainment. Students learned that small acts – such as shaving their head or donating their hair – can have a powerful impact on others.

Our beloved Michael, 2014, with his art teacher Kristen Fox.

Brave the Buzz 4 is dedicated to St. Bernadette School’s own angel, Michael Orbany who passed away in 2014 from medulloblastoma at the young age of 9. In honor of Michael and of the all heroes who continue to battle childhood cancers, St. Bernadette School intends to raise $60,000.  To learn more about the event and to donate, please visit www.stbaldricks.org/events/stbernadette2020 or call the school at 440-734-7717.

About St. Baldrick’s Foundation

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer and donor powered charity dedicated to raising money for lifesaving childhood cancer research and funds more in childhood cancer grants than any organization except for the U.S. government.

Highlights:

  • 5th grade student and cancer survivor Jackson Janosek kicked off the event by sharing his story and thanking the school for supporting “kids like him.”
  • Principal Maureen Goodwin was taped to a gym wall by teachers and students as an incentive for meeting fundraising goals
  • St. Edward High School Trash Talkers and DJ Brendan Cain kept the crowd entertained throughout the event.
  • More than 100 participants shaved or donated hair.
  • More than 50 students donated to have their hair styled at the event
While it is an emotionally charged event, at its core, Brave the Buzz is really a celebration. Students are empowered and reminded that even a small act, like getting a haircut, can change the world.