St. John’s holds annual Locks of Love fundraiser

BY ANTHONY O’REILLY

More than 50 people from St. John’s University participated in the fourth annual St. Baldrick’s and Locks of Love fundraiser to benefit childhood cancer research. The participants included students, administrators and coaches from the school who either shaved their heads in solidarity of those undergoing chemotherapy, or donated 10 inches or more of their hair to make wigs.

The school announced more than $35,000 was raised through fundraising efforts, all of which will go to benefit cancer research companies. The school also announced that 22 locks of hair were collected.

During the event, the school honored five-year old cancer survivor Gabrielle Brancaccio, who now serves as an ambassador for St. Baldrick’s.

“We feel indebted to the doctors that have helped us see through, but also, we feel so humbled by being honored by St. John’s because people are taking the time to care about others who have gone through this,” Dana Brancaccio, Gabrielle’s mother, said.

Lacrosse coach Jason Miller helped raise well past his $5,000 goal.