Relay for Life Kids Shave Their Heads to Honor Cancer Survivors

Students from  in Lemont celebrated a special group of moms this Mother's Day while raising money for Relay for Life.

On Friday, several families gathered at the home of Brendan and Melissa McGuire, where seven boys shaved their heads to honor the moms and loved ones who lost their hair during cancer treatments.

The boys are participating in the eighth annual Relay for Life of Lemont-Homer Glen as part of Team Celtics for a Cure Junior— an offshoot of their parents' Team Celtics for a Cure. So far the team has more more than a dozen students from St. Al's/St. Pat's.

"My kids (Brendan and Meaghan) have wanted to start their own Relay team for a while now, and this year they were finally old enough," Melissa McGuire said.

To kick off the team's fundraising efforts, the McGuires decided to take a cue from the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a childhood cancer research organization for which thousands of volunteers shave their heads every year.

Brendan McGuire and his friends—fellow seventh-graders Gavin Wollenberg, Adam Popper and William Eleteny—decided to shave their heads not only to raise money, but to pay tribute to the many moms in their families and school community who have battled cancer.

"A couple of my aunts had cancer, and I wanted to honor them," Brendan said. "We thought it was perfect to do it on Mother's Day weekend."

The boys were joined by Brendan's brother, Ian, a second-grader, as well as fifth-grader Luke Wollenberg and first-grader Thomas Schikora. By the time they shaved their heads Friday evening, they raised about $400 for Team Celtics for a Cure Junior, Melissa said.

"We're all really proud of them for taking the initiative and doing something so selfless and thoughtful for others," she said.

On hand to shave the boys' heads Friday were three moms from St. Al's/St. Pat's who have all survived cancer: Theresa McGlynn, Jennifer Stolfo and Katie Gorski.

McGlynn, who has been in remission from breast cancer since 2009, said the boys' generosity was "overwhelming."

"Losing your hair really was the most difficult part," she said. "I could handle the treatment, but the hair... that was hard. Seeing them do this made me very emotional."

Gorski is also in remission from breast cancer. She said she was proud of the boys for their commitment to Relay for Life.

"I'm so proud of them. It was such a nice gesture," she said.

Lemont resident Tim Wall, a member of Team Celtics for a Cure, also shaved his head Friday after the kids' parents gathered more than $1,000 in pledges.

During Relay for Life, participants walk for 12 hours to raise awareness and funding for cancer research. The Lemont-Homer Glen event is scheduled for Friday, July 13, at the Lemont High School Sports Complex, 131st Street and Bell Road. 

In 2011, nearly 300 participants  for cancer treatment and research. Since 2005, the Relay for Life of Lemont-Homer Glen has raised more than $460,000, according to event organizers.

For more information, visit relayforlife.org/lemontil.

Five Ways to Get Involved in Relay for Life

1. Form a Team

Anyone interested in forming a team should visit the official website of Relay for Life of Lemont-Homer Glen.

2. Purchase a Luminaria Bag

Luminaria is a special ceremony during Relay for Life that honors those who are battling cancer or have lost their lives to the disease. For just $10, individuals can purchase a luminaria bag in honor of their loved one. The luminaria are lit during the ceremony and placed around the track.

3. Participate in the Survivors' Celebration and Victory Lap

If you or someone you know have been affected by cancer, you are invited to participate in a special celebration. The first lap of Relay for Life is reserved for cancer survivors, while the second is reserved for survivors and caregivers.

4. Become a Volunteer

Relay for Life is always seeking new volunteers to help with planning and logistics.

5. Become a Sponsor

Relay for Life of Lemont and Homer Glen is currently seeking corporate sponsors to support the event.