El Pasoans shave their heads to bring awareness to childhood cancer

EL PASO, Texas– Several participants gather for the 6th annual St. Baldrick’s head shaving event held by El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The event is in partnership with Southwest University and aims to bring awareness to childhood cancer and raise money for cancer research. 

“The main goal here is two fold, its awareness of childhood cancer, but also the ability to choose to raise money through a philanthropic charitable way whether its through research or whether it's through specifically to help the el paso children's hospital and the patient there,” said Dr. Abigail Tarango, Executive Director for El Paso Children's hospital foundation.

Longtime participant Joe Ruiz said he has been a part of the event every year and after witnessing his son beat childhood cancer, he said it feels right to give back.

Ruiz said his son's road to recovery was long and tough, but celebrating this event is a way to remember and let go.

“But when we come out here and were having a good time, it's easier to express some of the hard parts of what he had to go through and what we went through as a family, this kind of just makes it easier, it's a way for me to just let it go,” said Ruiz.

If you would like to donate to the cause you can follow the link here.