You don’t need to be a part of a large group or event to stand in solidarity with cancer patients. Through Bald for Bucks, you can use your hair to show you care with your school, work or on your own — just like Jay Neubecker did.
Jay’s Bald for Bucks journey began back in 2019, when she learned about a priest who was shaving his head for the cause. Her eyes were opened to a new way to give back, and she had someone special in mind to whom she would dedicate her efforts.
“I knew a little boy who was four years old and had cancer, so I decided I would do Bald for Bucks for him,” Jay explained.
A tribute to others
Originally, Jay thought going Bald for Bucks would be a one-time experience, but year after year, she has felt compelled to do it again.
“The second year, a friend of mine died of esophageal cancer within nine months of her diagnosis.” said Jay. “I contacted her husband, and I got his blessing after she passed to shave my head in her memory.”
The following year, Jay lost another friend to cancer.
“I sat next to her at church every Sunday! She passed away less than six months after her diagnosis of a brain tumor.”
So, once again channeling her grief into action, Jay went Bald for Bucks a third time.
Come 2023, Jay wasn’t planning on going Bald for Bucks a fourth time – but that all changed when she received a Christmas card from a childhood friend.
“She said she has terminal cancer, and she is in palliative care right now. I reached out to her, and she said she would be honored if I shaved my head for her, so that’s what I did.”
Streaming
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many in-person gatherings and events were put on the backburner, but Jay didn’t let that keep her from taking part in Bald for Bucks.
She turned to social media to spread the word about her campaign and to let others be a part of the action. With help from the Bald for Bucks team, she learned how to host a livestream on Facebook, so friends and family could tune in while she shaved her head from home.
To learn more about livestreaming your Bald for Bucks event, click here.
Mission to end cancer
Funds raised through Bald for Bucks support groundbreaking research and patient care programs at Roswell Park to help patients throughout their cancer journey.
That mission resonates deeply with Jay – and that’s what keeps her moving forward.
“I wish I could end cancer,” she stated. Through Bald for Bucks, she is doing her part by raising funds and awareness to get us closer to that goal every year.
For others considering going Bald for Bucks, Jay says, “Get some donations. Donate yourself. It’s a simple thing to do.”
Join Jay in making your personal promise to end cancer today.
