Conquer kids’ cancer: St. Baldrick’s event this weekend at Napper Tandy’s
The St. Baldrick’s Northport event benefitting childhood cancer research is scheduled for this Saturday, March 8 from 12-5pm at Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub in Northport.
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A decades-long tradition returns to Napper Tandy’s this weekend, as St. Baldrick’s participants, teams and supporters gather in solidarity with kids whose lives have been affected by cancer. The largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, St. Baldrick’s has its origins in Northport, the 1999 brainchild of then-resident Tim Kenny.
The tradition at Napper Tandy’s began in 2000, when Northport resident John McKenna and a committee of volunteers brought the St. Baldrick’s Day event to the Irish pub’s Laurel Avenue location. Every year, men, women and children sign up to have their heads shaved in the hopes of finding a cure for childhood cancer. The event also brings spectators and supporters who partake in the day’s festivities, which include raffles, the sale of sports memorabilia, and an overwhelming sense of camaraderie and community. A highlight raffle this year includes two round-trip tickets on JetBlue, anywhere the airline flies.
The local St. Baldrick’s community has raised over $6 million for the foundation’s efforts alone. What started as one singular event is now held in over 31 countries, with Northport continuing to lead the group’s legacy.
This year, the Northport St. Baldrick’s group will honor Jennifer Accardo, who would have celebrated her 35th birthday on March 9. Accardo passed away from cancer 15 years ago and was a St. Baldrick’s volunteer until her passing.
Her parents, Anita and John, first got involved with St Baldrick's in 2005, shortly after Jennifer was diagnosed with a very rare variation of Ewings Sarcoma. In the years since, Anita and John have shaved their heads numerous times in honor of their daughter’s spirit and memory. Both Anita and John have earned the title of “Baron of the Brave,” indicating a commitment and dedication of at least 20 years of service to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. On Saturday, the couple – current volunteer fundraisers, committee members and a shavee – will lead the event’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The St. Baldrick’s Northport event is scheduled for this Saturday, March 8 from 12-5pm at Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub in Northport. For more information, to sign up to participate or to donate, click here. All are welcome.
