Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bill Bray loses his locks for the fight against childhood cancer

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Bill Bray has announced that he will shave his head in an effort to raise money for childhood cancer research on March 17 at the Reds’ Player Development Complex in Goodyear, Ariz. All money raised will go to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a charity committed to funding research and finding cures for childhood cancers.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which derived its name from a combination of the words “bald” and “St. Patrick’s Day”, holds many of its events during the month of March, embracing the jovial spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Bray will uphold this tradition in support of his 10-year-old cousin, Trevor, who has been battling neuroblastoma cancer for the past several years. Trevor organizes his own events each year to raise money for the Foundation.

“Trevor’s parents wanted me to get several signed baseballs for their upcoming auction, but I wanted to do more,” said Bray. “I thought, in addition to that, I should shave my head to raise money and national awareness for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Shaving my head is a simple sacrifice for a promising reward for Trevor and other children battling cancer every day.”

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity that provides funding solely for cancer research. The organization raises money by matching children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments with volunteers, sponsored by donations, who shave their own head in a sign of solidarity. Since 2000, the Foundation has attracted 189,660 volunteers and has raised over $117 million.    

Donors who pledge $25 or more towards Bray’s head shaving will receive an 8X10 autographed glossy photo of the pitcher. To make a donation or to gain more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/BillBray45.