Hair is so unique to us as individuals. It comes in all colors, textures and lengths.

None of this mattered to the 60-plus volunteers who committed to having their heads shaved to support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Shave the Brave event at the Emmaus High School gymnasium March 13.

But, it does matter.

It matters for the thousands of children who lose their hair as a result of chemotherapy treatments of childhood cancers. Over 26 barbers from the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas volunteered to shave the heads of individuals who wanted to be a part of the fight against childhood cancer.

More than 1,000 people attended to support the event organized by a core committee of adults including Shannon Petrunak, Madi Whiteman, Lauren Gibson, Holly Ziegler, Laurie Furry and Diane Didona.

The Emmaus High School Student Planning Committee, under the leadership of President Taylor Haberle, Vice President Reese Newhart, Treasurer Isabella Alwine-Balliro and Secretary Megan Martino, worked with the following members to make the event a success: Lizzie Bender, Cori Campbell, Josh Diaz, Annabelle Gavin, Tyler Green, Connor Horwath, Mia LaPorte, Olivia Nonnemacher, Abby Shutts, Grace Stuchko, and Claire Yoder.

The students sold 50/50 tickets, basket raffle tickets, T-shirts, face painting and beads to raise money. The EHS Hornet, assisted by Evan Shook, paraded throughout the crowd while radio station 99.9 The Hawk provided entertainment before the event.

Inside the gym, several tables were adorned with vases of yellow roses, candles, pictures and stories of 17 honorees, of which eight are now angels. The honorees came from all over the Lehigh Valley and included Emmaus High School students Peyton Brown and Hailey Cook and Eyer Middle School student Leslie Moore.

Haberle told the audience of supporters “no one fights alone” acknowledging all who are involved in this fight by having people stand up if they are a barber, shavee, donor, volunteer or sponsor. She told the fighters/survivors “Look around, you have an entire team fighting alongside you.”

More than $60,000 was raised, but this could increase as additional money was raised at the event, which moved past last year’s total by over $10,000.

Emmaus High School diving coach Geoffrey Geis spoke of losing his 3-year-old niece, Courtney Hunt, to cancer more than 30 years ago. Geis shared he became involved in this program after seeing his students shave their heads to raise awareness and money for childhood cancer research.

“Investing in cancer research saves lives,” he said.

When his niece was diagnosed in 1994, there was a 10% survival rate. Geis shared, “Today, that rate is over 50%. This is incredible progress.”

Geis added that “We may never know you or meet you, but we stand with you every step of the way. I am ready to get bald!”

Over the events held at Emmaus High School for the past nine years, over $665,000 has been raised for St. Baldrick’s Foundation.