(WYTV) — This week’s Hometown Hero is all about raising awareness and fundraising for childhood cancer while having fun doing it.
Gavin Clay (14) has been raising money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for nearly four years now. He even shaved his head as a visual representation of how important this is to him.
“In 2018, one of my classmates contracted a rare cancer and I wanted to do something to help,” Gavin said.
Gavin’s mother Krista encouraged him to attend a St. Baldrick’s team, and that’s how the Constitution Cancer Crushers were born. It has given Gavin an outlet to remember his friend DJ and encourage other kids battling childhood cancer.
“Gavin has promised DJ’s mom and dad that he will keep going as long as he can do this because they are pretty special people to us now and we’re happy to continue helping Gavin get the word out and stand against this fight. ‘ said Krista.
“I never expected it to grow as much as it did,” Gavin said.
Gavin has been shaving his head for the past four years and has no intention of stopping. Just by talking to him you can see how passionate he is about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
“I love getting the word out about the team and hopefully recruiting some more people to join the team,” he said.
So far, Gavin has been able to raise approximately $37,000 to fund research and find cures for children with cancer.
Not only does he have the support of his parents and the community, but the West Branch school district has also helped him with his mission. Before COVID-19 hit, the student council staged a glow dance to help him raise money. They raised nearly $5,000.
“Some teachers have shaved and some of them shaved their beards. It was great,” says Krista.
“Yeah, it was really cool. I ended up shaving too,” Gavin said.
Of course Gavin had to act!
Recently, Gavin was even recognized as a Disney Magic Maker for all his efforts.
This Hometown Hero will continue his mission for years to come.
“I want to encourage people to look for opportunities they can find to do things like this in their communities,” Gavin said.
To learn more about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation or to join Gavin’s team, visit the St. Baldrick’s website.
Comments are closed.