Hair is an issue with many young teens — girls especially — and countless hours and many dollars are spent on styling it. Bucking the trend, 15-year-old Brittany de Frias is intending to dispense with all that by shaving her head for children's cancer research on March 14 at the BAA club on Woodlands Road.

Inspired by a family friend who shaved her hair for the cause in 2006, the Saltus Grammar School student decided to participate in what has become an international annual event established by the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

In an e-mail soliciting sponsorship, Brittany declared: "I love my freedom and recognise that their (children suffering from cancer) freedom is limited, and I am sure it is difficult to lead a normal life as a child without any hair."

She is hoping that her gesture "will help boost some child's self-confidence during a difficult time" while raising funds for cancer research, "giving all children who have cancer a better chance of survival".

As she has always had long hair, Brittany is a little nervous, confessing: "It will be a shock to see it all go," and she admitted to being a little anxious that people will "look at me funny and wonder 'What was she thinking?'".

She also worries that some of the boys will tease her and laugh at her. "But most of my family and friends do support me," she added.

And she has the inspiration of her friend, whom Brittany described as brave and someone "who had the confidence and strength to carry this off".

As part of her fund-raising efforts, she is raising awareness of and honouring one of Bermuda's own, Eliza, a brave little girl who has been battling cancer since birth.

Bermuda was introduced to St. Baldrick when Enda McDonnell (see sidebar), tracked down Stephen Fallon at IPC Re, and encouraged him to bring the movement to Bermuda in 2002. Since then over 100 local residents have been shorn of their locks, some companies putting together a team of volunteers. So that locally raised funds can help local cancer patients, the Childhood Cancer Care Trust was established under the auspices of PALS, and moneys raised by the local St. Baldrick's event have been spent to assist with children's treatment and associated costs.

A special donation form for Bermuda can be downloaded from the St. Baldrick's Foundation site and the completed form and local cheque can be posted to PALS earmarked for the Trust.

This year's shearing will take place at the BAA clubhouse on March 14, beginning at 5 p.m., with local hairdressers volunteering their time and talents for the event. Word on the street is that along with Brittany, Paul Markey, President of AON Re Bermuda, will be going under the razor.

Anyone wishing to support Brittany, and add to the $525 she has raised already, can donate funds on her behalf on line at the St. Baldrick's website, www.stbaldricks.org, or by telephone 888-899-BALD (888-899-2253).

If you wish to follow Brittany's example, and raise funds yourself, you can register on line or contact local organiser Stephen Fallon at 298-5100.