MindiTheMagnificent: 46 Mommas National Press Release

46 Mommas to Shave Their Heads to Raise Awareness for Childhood Cancer

Download this press release in PDF format.

Washington, DC: “Your child has cancer.” Every week day, 46 families in the United States hear these words. This September, during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 46 Mommasare gathering together in unity to shave their heads to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. The shaving event will take place in Washington, DC.

In 2010, our inaugural team took the name 46 Mommas Shave for the Brave and established a fundraising goal of $1 million for The St. Baldrick's Foundation.

The number 46 is important to the Mommas. It represents the number of children diagnosed with cancer every week day in the United States. Statistically, 20-25% of these children will not survive¹. For certain types of childhood cancer, the numbers are more dismal. For example, a cure remains elusive for kids with DIPG, a rare brain cancer with less than 10% surviving 18 months after diagnosis². An even smaller percent will live five years, the standard measure of survival for cancer patients. Awareness is the key, as it brings much needed funding. Approximately 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is dedicated to childhood cancers³ and only $5 million of the $150 million in funding promised from the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act has been appropriated. The lack of funding is a large reason so few breakthroughs have been made for childhood cancers compared to adult cancers.

Mission Statement:

We ARE 46 Mommas on a mission to raise awareness, raise funds for research and inspire others to help fund a cure for childhood cancer.

Each year a new class of 46 Mommas is inducted into the cause to empower and engage mothers of children with cancer. The number 46 is significant. On average, each weekday, 46 families receive the news that their child has cancer. Through increasing awareness of childhood cancer and raising funds for childhood cancer research by shaving our heads, we hope to one day be a group that no longer needs to exist.

Awareness=>Funding=>Research=>CURES

Our goals:

Raise $1 million for St. Baldrick’s Foundation's childhood cancer research programs
Hold an annual head shaving event, uniting cancer mommas and their families, to help raise these research funds.
Increase awareness of key childhood cancer issues in our local communities
Advocate to increase funding, both nationally and locally, for childhood cancer specific issues
Collaborate with other childhood cancer organizations to help produce a stronger, united childhood cancer community.

About St. Baldrick's Foundation

St. Baldrick’s Foundation is the world’s largest volunteer driven fundraising program for childhood cancer research. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation currently funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. St. Baldrick’s headshaving events are the fastest growing volunteer-driven fundraising opportunity for childhood cancer research. To learn more visitwww.StBaldricks.org.

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For event information about 46 Mommas Shave for the Brave, contact: info@46mommas.com.

For press information about 46 Mommas Shave for the Brave, contact Ivory Zorich, Allied Integrated Marketing, 202.742.8750, izorich@alliedim.com.