A Note from Our Co-Founder Meagen:
My husband, Mark, and I met in January of 2013. Only a few weeks into our new relationship, he announced that he was shaving his entire head of hair and his giant beard at a big party. Also, did I have $20 to contribute to the great de-hairing of my boyfriend? Oh, also, his parents would be there. I can’t recall if this was the first time that I met the lovely people I would one day call my in-laws, but I am pretty sure I wore my good cardigan. Mark had been partaking in this curious tradition for several years, but he hadn’t told me much about St. Baldrick’s Foundation. When I googled something along the lines of “what the hell is going on”, I soon understood that St. Baldrick is the largest non-government funder of childhood cancer research grants. More children are lost to cancer in the United States than any other disease, and their mission serves to find cures and give these children long and happy futures. Well…fine. Here's my $20.
When the big day came, Mark and I arrived at the venue. It was buzzing. Quite literally, I guess. Men, women, and even kids shaving their heads, one after another. Music, movement, cheers, and so much joy! Most notably, the emcee would sometimes stop and share the stories of shavees. Strangers performing this act of solidarity for their cousin, their sibling, their own child, a family friend, for themselves, for no one in particular. Today, when I think about New Orleans before the pandemic, this is one of those moments I miss the most.
Over the years, St. Baldrick’s became our family’s tradition. We found a local head-shaving event and Mark signed up. We fundraised, and we invited friends. One year, Mark, Peter, and I celebrated a memorable St. Baldrick’s – little did I know it would be our last night out on the town before I found out I was pregnant. Two years later, at the old Deutsches Haus, Mark descended from the stage with a clean-shaven head and our new one-year old had no idea who Mark was. His face when he finally put two and two together was one of the best. moments. ever.
Now in Mark’s tenth year as a shavee, it’s a surreal experience to be hosting a St. Baldrick’s event at Happy Raptor. As we get older, I don’t think I know a single person that hasn’t been impacted by cancer in some way or another. The last few years seem to have been especially tough – diagnoses, recoveries, relapses, and goodbyes. It is such an honor to have a place to offer a moment of fun and solidarity for our neighbors and friends. We hope that this event becomes an annual tradition not just for our family, but also for yours.
If you join us, grab a free burger or hot dog and make sure you give a huge high-five to my friend and long-time hair stylist, Sloane, who’ll be shaving heads and celebrating with us only two days before her own final cancer treatment. You also might catch the reaction of our younger son, who has never seen his dad bald and will either laugh or scream hysterically. You can also check out a cocktail or mocktail with our brand new 504Syrups or sample a special from our Pride menu. A portion of bar sales all day will also benefit St. Baldrick’s. If you can’t make it, consider donating here. We love you, New Orleans!
