Troy Goes Bald for Kids’ Cancer Fight at Shave-a-Thon at Ryan’s Wake

Troy Goes Bald for Kids’ Cancer Fight at Shave-a-Thon
St. Baldricks’ Foundation Fundraiser Sunday March 22 at Ryan’s Wake

TROY, N.Y. — Later this month, Trojans will shave their heads in a show of solidarity with children battling cancer, raising funds for research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

The Shave-a-Thon will be held Sunday, March 22, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Ryan’s Wake Public House — continuing a local tradition that started in 2009 at Park Pub.

A shave-a-thon works by inviting participants to secure sponsors who pledge donations in exchange for watching them bravely (or humorously) shave their heads in public.

Organizer Debbie Nash got involved with the cause more than a decade ago, first as a supporter on the sidelines then as an active participant.

“One year a friend dared me to shave my head and promised to donate $1,000 if I did it. So I went for it,” Nash said. “It began as a dare, but the whole experience moved me deeply. Standing there getting shaved, I realized I was choosing this — while the kids fighting cancer have no choice at all.”

That first year, as Nash was being shaved, an honored boy stood beside her as her hair fell to the floor. St. Baldrick’s honored kids are the courageous children and teens facing childhood cancer whose stories drive the foundation’s efforts to fund cures and better treatments.

“Every time I looked in the mirror afterward, I thought of him and what he was going through. It really hits you how much we take for granted in life,” Nash said. “This happens to families every day.”

That boy, Nick, is about to turn 21 and doing well today, said Nash, who continues to shave her head annually and took over organizing the event in 2021. She has shaved her head a total of 10 times and is ready to do it again this month.

This is the second year the shave-a-thon will be held at Ryan’s Wake.

“It’s a great cause. We’re very proud to be a part of it,” said Jared Kingsley, general manager of Ryan’s Wake Public House. “This is one of those events that makes you proud to belong to this community.”

Now in its 26th year, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation started as a casual challenge among friends to shave their heads and collect donations for childhood cancer. It has grown into the largest charitable funder of childhood cancer research grants in the U.S., with more than $369 million awarded to support studies at institutions nationwide.

Every two minutes, a child somewhere in the world is diagnosed with cancer. In the United States, about one in five children diagnosed will not survive. The foundation backs research across the full spectrum — from early-stage lab innovations to clinical trials — to create better treatments, reduce long-term effects for survivors and hasten the discovery of cures. Contributions help institutions nationwide provide advanced care to children fighting cancer today and tomorrow.

During the shave-a-thon, five licensed stylists at Ryan’s Wake will shave heads amid a lively, supportive crowd. Participants are encouraged to line up sponsors from their circles, record the shave and share videos on social media to drive more donations. Preregistration is preferred via the event link (below), though walk-ins are welcome with a donation.

The event will include raffles, food, drinks and shamrock medallions for purchase. Attendees can personalize a medallion with a message, family name or tribute and add it to the pub’s walls as a visible gesture of support.

Those unable to attend or shave can still help by donating directly through the provided link at www.RyansWake.com

Ryan’s Wake has built strong momentum, with last year’s event raising nearly $37,000. Organizers hope to surpass that amount this year. The pub’s campaign allows individuals to start their own subcampaigns to rally personal networks.

For registration, donation details or more information, visit ryanswake.com or go directly to: https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/ryanswake2026