Shaving heads for a cancer cure

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A child being diagnosed with cancer is one of a parent’s worst nightmares.

Globally, more than 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization. That’s why a fundraiser at the 605 Pop Culture Con is helping fund research to find a cure.

Heads were being shaved at the 18th annual Sioux Falls Head Shaving Event.

“Kids don’t have an opportunity or a choice whether or not they lose their hair as soon as they start their chemotherapy, their hair falls out. They don’t have a choice. We do so by us making that free will, that we’re making that choice to shave our heads, we are also giving that physical sign of solidarity” co-volunteer event organizer, Rob Keisacker said.

Rob Keisacker has been involved since 2010 when his son Ian was diagnosed with cancer. He lost his battle 10 years ago, but that hasn’t stopped his family from staying involved.

“Our son was going through cancer, and he still wanted to shave his head. So he didn’t even have much hair to shave. And so he shaved his head. And his best friend, Patrick, also joined in as well as a couple of his other friends. And we’ve just been hooked ever since. And so our passion is to find better cures and better futures for our children,” Keisacker said.

Children in remission were also at the event. However, they were the ones shaving heads.

“I had cancer when I was ten. I’m in remission now, thank goodness. But PT Dan, the organizer of this event, he was my physical therapist in the hospital and he actually invited me to come shave his head,” in remission for six years, Khia Hasty said.

Encouraging children with cancer, while also helping scientists find a cure.

“It’s just a really great thing for the community to do because we need to beat childhood cancer and get it out of here,” Hasty said.

Just by going to the 605 Pop Culture Con this weekend, you are also helping support local families with cancer.

Click here for more information on the 605 Pop Culture Convention.

Click here for more information on the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

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