On March 18, ASH will host its third annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser in support of childhood cancer research. What began as a small initiative has grown into a schoolwide movement that brings together students, staff, and families around a shared purpose.

 

Reflecting on the early days, Middle School Science teacher Gail Grewe shared, “We had no idea what it was going to be like.” What started with a small group of Middle School students has since expanded across divisions, with High Schoolers forming an entire club and younger students signing up to participate. “It’s amazing,” she says of the growth. “I want it to be about celebrating and engaging our community.”

 

Parents are deeply involved as well. One of them, Neha Doshi, explains, “Events like these help to broaden students’ perspectives of issues affecting our community and beyond. Almost everyone I know carries a story of how cancer has reached into their lives. Taking the time to gather, reflect and support through events like St. Baldrick’s strengthens our community bond in a meaningful way.”

 

 

An important moment in the event’s development came when Gail learned that funds raised would support the Princess Máxima Centrum, a leading pediatric oncology hospital in the Netherlands. “It really… took on such a deeper meaning right away,” she explains, knowing that families within our own community have been connected to its care.

 

Last year, a group of students, parents, and teachers visited the center to present a check and see firsthand how funds contribute to both research and quality-of-life initiatives. Hospitals like the Princess Máxima Centrum represent extraordinary dedication, innovation, and compassion — and, for many families, they become a second home during treatment. Through St. Baldrick’s, ASH aims not only to support life-saving research, but also to contribute positively to the comfort, healing, and daily experience of young patients and their families. “It is a really amazing place,” Gail reflects.

 

Neha highlights the importance of participation: “The nature of St. Baldrick’s calls for both compassion and action, which gives everyone the opportunity to contribute. Having a collective purpose and participating in a very tangible way, empowers our students that they too can have a real-world impact.”

 

 

Beyond fundraising, the event creates space for meaningful conversations. During an early assembly, Gail recalls asking students to reflect: “Raise your hand if you personally know somebody…” and many hands went up. The message was clear –- this is closer to our daily lives than we might imagine.

 

“Our family found an absolute sense of belonging within the ASH community through the St. Baldrick’s event,” Neha shares. “The event supports a very personal cause to us and has helped to make deeper, life-long connections… we are here now to share our story of triumph with you all.”

 

The atmosphere at last year’s event: a full atrium, students cheering, and parents, teachers, and staff standing side by side was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community works together. From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, the ripple effect has been remarkable. “However you chose to participate,” Neha reflects, “it is important to take a moment to reflect on the light you are bringing to families in our own community and around the globe.”

 

St. Baldrick’s also makes this cause approachable for all ages. It opens space for dialogue, while channeling energy into motivation, empathy, and enthusiasm for collective action. Students take the lead — organizing, fundraising, and finding creative ways to engage peers and families. Parents, teachers, and community members each contribute in their own way.

 

On March 18, ASH will not only raise funds for life-saving research, but will also stand united by empathy, action, and hope. We invite you to participate and support the cause here.