Greencastle teen goes bald for a good cause

The prevalence of cancer touched Cassandra Martin personally, so she chose to do something about it. The 17-year-old Greencastle-Antrim High School senior shaved her head to raise money for St. Baldrick's Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity devoted to funding research to cure childhood cancer.

She sees the pain her cousin experiences watching a best friend, age 13, go through hospitalizations and cancer treatments for the past two years. The child nearly died but is now in remission. Cassandra's mother had cancer as a young adult too.

She discovered St. Baldrick's and liked its mission. She set a high goal.

"I've pledged to stay bald until I raise $10,000," she said. "It's a huge amount, but still it isn't enough. You never can have too much money to put into children's cancer research."

Cassandra donated her 10-inch mane to Locks of Love on Dec. 15 and spent a week in school, before Christmas break, with her new "do".

Her fellow students reacted.

"They said I'm brave, and have a nicely shaped head. They rub it in the halls."

Family and friends donated $345 to get her started. She is spreading the word through Facebook and will speak to any group interested in helping.

At school, Cassandra is a cheerleader and a member of Peer Leaders. She plans to attend college for psychology. She is the daughter of Tammy Romito and Robert Martin.

People may access her fundraising page at stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/579020