Fallsburg science teacher becomes "Knight of the Bald Table" for St. Baldrick's Founda
Craig McDavid has several looks, one day you may see him with a beard and shaggy hair, and months later, bald and clean shaven. Such an extreme contrast in hairstyle can catch a lot of attention, which is exactly what McDavid wants to achieve.
Every March, McDavid raises money for childhood cancer research with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to find a cure for childhood cancer. Those who raise money with St. Baldricks set a donation goal and promise to shave their heads if that goal is met.
McDavid has been raising money and awareness for the charity since 2010. He has shaved his head 6 times in the last 8 years. This year is his seventh event, making him a “Knight of the Bald Table” to the foundation.
McDavid said he chose to raise money for St. Baldrick’s because childhood cancer research struck a chord for him.
“I lost a family member to cancer when he was in his 20’s, and I thought that was too young,” McDavid said. “Then I realized there were so many people who experience even less of life’s wonder. It still breaks my heart.”
McDavid stops getting his hair cut after December every year in order to look more unkempt by March for his shave.
McDavid once prepared for the event for a year without trimming his hair or his beard. “I had hair past my shoulder and my mustache grew over my bottom lip,” McDavid said. “I looked like Charles Manson and decided to never grow it that long again.”
McDavid said he has been able to use his unkempt appearance as a platform for educating others about St. Baldricks.
“While student teaching, I had a principal tell me I looked like a homeless person and he would never hire me in his school,” McDavid said. “When I told him I had raised over $1,000 for children’s cancer research, it was nice to see the ‘foot-in-mouth’ look on his face.”
McDavid is currently a science teacher at Fallsburg Elementary School. He has had several friends, former students, faculty, and even one principal shave their heads with him.
McDavid has two sons, one-year-old Arnie, and 4-month-old Ollie. “Arnie didn’t freak out when I shaved last year,” McDavid said. “I’m bringing both boys to watch this year with hopes for the same outcome.”
McDavid’s goal this year is to reach $250 before his shaving event on March 30. “I keep it small so that the student shaving with me have a chance to receive donations, as well.” McDavid said.
McDavid has raised $3,500 total in his previous years with the foundation. This year, he has raised $100 so far. The most he has raised for a single event was just over $1,000.
To donate to St. Baldricks, click the following link: https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/966308/2018
