Celebrant Pam Vetter


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Shaving heads for Leukemia
Contributed by: Pam Vetter

11/3/06 Valley News Article

It's an exciting moment when you listen to 625 middle school students cheer, "Shave it off! Shave it off!"

The students of Chaminade College Preparatory Middle School were referring to the hair on top of three lucky heads.

Principal Mike Valentine, 6th Grade Religion Teacher John Apablasa, and Athletic Coach Mike Anderson agreed to have their heads shaved if the students raised $13,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the 8th Annual Light the Night event. The school surpassed that goal by many dollars. In fact, the final tally delivered on the fundraising event was an unexpected $81,387.16.

The funds raised will go toward the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's community education programs, patient support, and research. The entire event was inspired by 8th grade Chaminade student Kelsey Burke who was diagnosed in late June with Leukemia.

After her diagnosis, the middle school immediately dubbed itself Team Kelsey. Chaminade provided the largest team in a Light the Night event with 947 walkers. They also raised the largest amount of any single group in the nation. Everyone wore their red Team Kelsey Relentless t-shirts to the pep rally.

One of the organizers of the event, Religion Teacher Kate Lospalluto was proud of the entire school. "This is phenomenal. Talk about family spirit. We're so pleased with everything the Chaminade community has done. This is about finding a cure," Lospalluto said. "Kelsey is an amazing student who has a wonderful smile. She has good days and bad days. She was unable to be here, but with a sea of red shirts we remember she's an angel to all of us."

Lospalluto looked a bit nervous before shaving Apablasa's head. "I haven't shaved someone's head since high school, but I'll do my best," Lospalluto said laughing.

Student Morgan Howell, 13, raised $2,525 which was the highest single amount for the Light the Night event. "I think it's amazing how much we can do if we work together," Howell said. "But, I'm nervous about shaving someone's head. I mean, I shave my horses, but it's different."

By raising the most money, Howell was awarded the honor of shaving the principal's head.

Chaminade Counselor and Cheer Coach Heather Eaton, who also helped organize the event, was a first time shaver. "I am nervous about shaving Coach Anderson's head, but this is overwhelming to see our kids come together to support a cause. While the kids are enthusiastic about the head shaving, really this is a message about coming together and supporting one another," Eaton explained.

Chaminade President Jim Adams helped to deliver the final fundraising check to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. "I'm so proud of the kids. They never hesitate to step up and they came through again with hard work for a good cause," Adams said.

As for those who were willing to have their heads shaved for a good cause, they were nervous but supportive. "We're trying to come together and support each other. Kelsey's been inspirational to all of us. When the shaving was suggested as an incentive to raise the original goal of $13,000, we agreed as a motivational tool. Now, that it's over $81,000, we're happy to do our part," Principal Valentine said.

For Religion Teacher Apablasa the moment was personal. "Kelsey was my student last year. I love her and I'd do anything for her. Our theme in religion is to be a light to people and how everyone can do God's work by example," Apablasa said. "We all share in her disease and everyone needs to know, they're not alone."

Coach Anderson agreed. "This is a great opportunity to give Kelsey our uplifting support and boost her spirits. I was blown away by how much money was raised so I said sure, I'll shave my head," Anderson said. "It's real around us everyday. This is not the way it's supposed to happen with Kelsey. We're here to help and find a way toward a cure."

The final message came from Lospalluto. "Thank you all for everything. This is for everyone who battles cancers. But, it's not over. We're not going to give up until we find a cure!"

To read the original story posting link to: http://valleynews.com/Chatsworth/Stories/News/About-Town/Story~143320.aspx.

For more information on Light the Night link to www.LightTheNight.org.

For more information on the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society link to www.Leukemia-Lymphoma.org.

For more information on Chaminade link to www.Chaminade.org.

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