On Monday, March 17, the Oxbridge Academy held its 10th annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation program in support of finding a cure for pediatric cancer, as well as raising awareness of the scope of the disease.
Aside from raising funds — more than $70,000 over the past decade — the heart of the event includes faculty, staff and students volunteering to have their hair cut or heads shaved to show solidarity with child patients, or use the shorn locks to make wigs. Licensed barbers carry out or oversee the cutting and shaving.
The Oxbridge Cancer Awareness Club also spearheaded a drive to collect toys, snacks, blankets, socks and other items for St. Mary’s Medical Center’s Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) to distribute to patients at the West Palm Beach facility.
The event also marked the 10th anniversary of math teacher Sheri Viggiano being cancer-free. Viggiano, along with several students, started the Oxbridge St. Baldrick’s program 10 years ago. To recognize that milestone, Viggiano had her long locks dramatically shortened and donated. Since the initial St. Baldrick’s event, it has become one of the school’s most popular and beloved service programs, illustrating the school’s culture of kindness.
The Oxbridge Academy is located at 3151 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, visit www.oapb.org call (561) 972-9600.
