Before school, some girls devote hours to straightening, curling and perfecting their beloved locks. But for junior Emily Cavanagh, there are more important things than a full head of hair.

Cavanagh will shave her head April 18 on her 17th birthday to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s foundation, a non-profit organization committed to funding research on childhood cancers like myeloid leukemia and neuroblastoma.

“Initially, I was really just interested in shaving my head because I’d always wanted to do it, but after I did a little research about the cause, I thought that I should put it to good use and realized it could be so much more,” Cavanagh said.

Cavanagh has raised more than $800 in just over two weeks by reaching out to family members and asking students and teachers in her classes for their support.

She initially set a goal of $150 in donations but has since raised her goal several times due to the increasing support she received from the community. Her current donation goal is $1000.

Cavanagh actively promotes her cause by spreading the word on Facebook and telling all of her classmates to donate to her online donations page.

Cavanagh hopes to make a difference in the lives of the many children who battle the disease every day.

“Cancer is really widespread, especially in children, and we’ve even had kids at Whitman who’ve gone through it,” she said. “These diseases affect young children who haven’t even had a chance to really live yet or do anything to deserve this — it’s unfair.”

Over 100,000 St. Baldrick’s volunteers have shaved their heads to show their solidarity and support for kids fighting cancer.

“It’s remarkable to see students from schools around the country going bald in solidarity with kids who typically lose their hair during cancer treatment and joining in the foundation’s mission to conquer kids’ cancer,” St. Baldrick’s official Traci Shirk said.

Senior Sylvia Escolero, a childhood leukemia survivor, reflects that going through cancer treatments was an incredibly trying ordeal. She heard about Cavanagh’s noble undertaking and believes her involvement in the cause is extraordinary.

“It’s easier just to donate money to the charities, but by choosing to chop off all of her hair, Emily shows how committed she is,” she said. “I give her my appreciation for how eager and quick she was to join in and make it a priority in her life. As a previous cancer patient, I believe what she’s doing is worth 100 times more than a donation.”

Anne Cavanagh, Emily’s mother, applauds her daughter for her dedication to the cause.

“I am extremely proud of how she has gotten completely behind her cause and is raising money for such a wonderful foundation,” she said. “So many people will be grateful to her.”

Emily said that students have heard about her mission and approached her to congratulate her on her efforts. Despite the praise she receives from her peers and family, she remains modest in her noble project.

“Hey, it does save a lot of shampoo,” she jokes.