Shaving heads for childhood cancer research
It's the second time Randy Watson has gone bald. Last year, his 8-year-old son Matthew helped him shave his head. This year, he's doing it alone.
Dakota Gasification Company - March 4, 2010
Originally broadcast by KFYR TV
Reported by Retha Colclasure
Watch the story at this link: Shaving heads for childhood cancer research
Cancer can touch any of us, whether it's a friend or close family member, most of us know someone who is fighting or has fought the disease. Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking forms is childhood cancer. But there's not much funding for childhood cancer research because of how rare it is.
Basin Electric brought St. Baldrick's Day to our community three years ago. The annual event is coming up on March 17. One more electric company, MDU Resources, is getting involved for the second time.
In two weeks his hair will be gone. It's the second time Randy Watson has gone bald. Last year, his 8-year-old son Matthew helped him shave his head. This year, he's doing it alone.
"This year I'm going to be thinking about him while I'm doing it. It's going to be a little bit tougher because I know he's not with us anymore, but it's still, to me, an important cause to be involved in," said Watson.
Matthew lost his nearly five-year battle with neuroblastoma last July. Now, Watson says he's even more committed to raising money for childhood cancer research.
"It didn't save Matthew but hopefully it'll save a lot of other kids," said Watson.
Everybody who works with Randy at MDU Resources knew his story, and several others decided to donate their heads to the cause, as well.
"Of course I had to get permission from my wife, but once I got that, it was easy," said Richard Holland, who's shaved his head for the cause twice. "No doubt in my mind this was something I wanted to do."
Tyler Fish had his own reasons for joining the team. "I had a friend that passed away from cancer three years ago, so I know how good a cause it is, and just raising a little money for a cause like this, I had no problem doing it," said Fish.
Others on the team aren't shaving their heads, but are lending a hand in a different way.
"Besides being the barber, I'm also their cheerleader. I'm out there telling other people, make sure they're supporting them," said team barber Vicki Kunz.
As for Watson, he says that shaving his head in his son's honor is the least he can do.
The MDU team is hoping to raise about $7,500 for childhood cancer research this year. You can donate to their team by searching for events in Bismarck at www.stbaldricks.org
To donate directly to Watson's team, go to www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/65918
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