For more than 20 years, Lake Shore Central School has played host to Bald for Bucks to assist Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The district’s mission to raise money for cancer research and patient care took on an even greater meaning during its most recent fundraiser at John T. Waugh Elementary School.
Among the dozens of people who got their ears lowered at the May 1 Bald for Bucks event was MarLu Lay, a first-grader at the elementary school. MarLu helped bring in more than $1,000 and then proudly sat for a haircut in front of a dozen family members and even more cheering supporters.
In February 2020, MarLu was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The news, which came as a complete shock to her family, would result in two years of treatment, first at Oishei Children’s Hospital and eventually Roswell Park in Buffalo.
“The doctors were just wonderful,” MarLu’s mother, Sierra, said. “She was diagnosed when COVID happened and the whole world shut down. It was just an incredibly difficult time for everyone.”
MarLu was officially listed as being in remission in 2022.
Her participation in Bald for Bucks at Lake Shore was both for her and her grandmother, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
After posing for several photographs while on stage, MarLu quietly sat for her haircut. Afterward, she got a round of hugs and kisses from her family.
“There are no words to describe it,” her father, Davin, said of her resolve. “The fact that she wanted to do this is just amazing.”
Bald for Bucks was first established in 2002 by a Lake Shore teacher to support his sister during her second battle with cancer. Since then, more than $6 million has been raised for the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation through local events.
Lending a hand at this year’s event were three students enrolled in the Cosmetology program at the Carrier Educational Center: Juniors Ryleigh Hanner of Silver Creek and Lilianne Flading of Lake Shore, and senior Danny Chaplin of Lake Shore.
The students were among a handful of haircut specialists ensuring the bevy of Bald for Bucks participants got their ears lowered for a great cause.
“I’m just really proud of my two juniors and my one senior for showing up and helping out for such a good cause,” said Laura Luke, the Cosmetology instructor at Carrier.
Luke also provided several haircuts during the fundraiser.
By the end of the night, Lake Shore brought in more than $14,000.
“Thank you so much to the staff and students who volunteered at our district celebration,” said Julie Wilkins, Bald for Bucks coordinator at Lake Shore. “It was an amazing turnout of students, families, and staff, all coming together to help fight against cancer and Roswell Park.”
