Two teachers at Phoenix’s EJD Middle School are sporting new haircuts for a good cause. On Friday, March 13, educators Carrie Wilson and Matthew Wieczorek had their heads shaved in the school gym during an assembly benefiting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

This year marked Wieczorek’s 20th and final shave for St. Baldrick’s.

“I started in 2007 on a ‘dare’ from some lifelong friends,” Wieczorek said. “At first, my answer was ‘no way,’ but the event was being held at Kitty Hoynes in Syracuse, and the owner, David Hoyne, joined the conversation. Without much effort, he convinced me to go for it.”

Wieczorek said the experience left a lasting impression.

“On that first shave day, I was there when families battling childhood cancer were given time to speak,” he said. “Some had children fighting cancer; others had lost a child. The atmosphere shifted from joyous to silent, with many tears as everyone reflected on why we were shaving our heads. It was a moment that really moved me, and I decided then and there that I would continue shaving and always be there for those moments.”

He added that although last year marked the final event at Kitty Hoynes, he chose to participate one more time.

“Being so close to 20 shaves, I decided to go for one more year,” Wieczorek said. “This year brought my total fundraising to more than $100,000.”

For chorus teacher Wilson, this year marked their third time participating as a shavee.

“I first participated three years ago following the passing of the daughter of one of my best friends from high school,” Wilson said. “She was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at age 14. She knew she wouldn’t survive her illness, but her focus was on helping others. She told doctors to study her case so they could help the next child diagnosed. If she could be that brave, I could be brave enough to shave my head.”

Wilson said supporting St. Baldrick’s is especially meaningful because of its focus on childhood cancer research.

While their shaved heads help raise awareness, both teachers hope students take away a deeper lesson.

“I hope students gain an understanding and appreciation for helping others in any way they can,” Wieczorek said. “It may seem simple—or even silly—that shaving my head makes an impact, but it’s really the generosity of donors that makes the difference. I’ve always said I just get a haircut.”

He added that former students often ask if he still participates.

“I’d like students to see that a consistent, simple act of giving can create a massive ripple effect over time,” he said.

Wilson shared similar hopes.

“I hope students come away with empathy for others—especially kids—going through difficult situations,” she said. “I shared Rebecca’s story with my classes, and many students were moved. Some are now the same age she was at diagnosis. I hope they are inspired by her bravery.”

Both teachers said they were grateful to share the experience with the EJD school community and hope it inspires future participation.

“Having my 20th and final shave at school was the perfect way to celebrate,” Wieczorek said. “The Phoenix Central School District, staff and students have been incredibly supportive throughout this journey. In the past, I would return to class already shaved, so it was special to include students in the experience.”

Wilson agreed.

“Having the shave in front of students was exciting,” she said. “It helped build momentum for our ‘penny wars’ fundraiser, and having students help cut my ponytails to donate for wigs made it even more meaningful. I hope this inspires students and staff to get involved next year.”

Students and staff participated in fundraising efforts throughout March with “penny wars,” a friendly competition in which teams collect points by adding pennies to their own jars while subtracting points from competing teams by adding silver coins.

St. Baldrick’s is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for childhood cancer research. According to the organization, since its founding in 2005, the five-year survival rate for childhood cancer has increased from 79% to 85%. Even so, a higher survival rate does not mean a cure, which is why St. Baldrick’s continues its efforts to fund research and raise awareness.

Fundraising is vital to sustaining the organization’s mission, but the signature head-shaving events also play a key role. Participants, known as “shavees,” help spread awareness while standing in solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatments. Both Wilson and Wieczorek are veteran shavees, having participated in fundraising efforts and head-shaving events in previous years.

For more information or to donate, visit www.stbaldricks.org.