U of Toledo Student Nancy Ngo Raises Money, Shaves Head for Childhood Cancer Research

Stow, OH Native Raises $3,000 for St. Baldrick's Foundation

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TOLEDO, OH (11/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Nancy Ngo was all smiles after her head was shaved to raise funds for St. Baldrick's Foundation.

As hair fell past her shoulders, a teary-eyed but relentless Nancy Ngo followed through with her plans to do her part for childhood cancer research.

The third-year social work major at The University of Toledo, who once stood guarded about getting her hair cut, bravely faced an anxious crowd of about 250 people in McComas Village last month and had her hair shaved off to raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

"I feel relieved. I'm so happy. I'm so excited," Ngo said just minutes after her head was shaved. "I can't believe the outcome of this. So many people showed support."

Ngo raised a total of $3,000 for St. Baldrick's, which is a volunteer-driven charity committed to research for a cure for childhood cancers.

She accepted donations in exchange for the promise of shaving her long, dark hair. And at the event, people were able to purchase pins, bracelets and baked goods with all proceeds going to support funding for cancer research for children.

In addition to Ngo's commitment to shave her head, three other women donated eight inches of their hair to be made into wigs for cancer patients.

The event also included the personal stories of cancer survivors, including Matt Cordy, who is in his fourth year studying nursing at UT.

"Childhood cancer is something that is unfortunate to see, but events such as Nancy's allow cancer awareness to be more visible and gives way to opportunities to raise monies for research," said Cordy, who had osteosarcoma.

Ngo said she hopes people ask her about her shaved head so she can share the message about the importance of childhood cancer research with more people.

"I'm filled with so much joy that I raised so much money for cancer research for kids, and I'm going to help so many kids out right now and I'm so excited about that," she said.