If you know Mr. Corrao, then you might associate him with long, flowing hair – a style he has been growing out for over a year. On March 11, however, Mr. Corrao’s distinctive locks were gone. Why? You may ask. For the honorable cause of spreading awareness for childhood cancer.

In addition to embracing his role as an English teacher and track coach at North, Mr. Corrao has been an active member of the St. Baldrick Foundation since 2005, an organization that raises funds that go towards research for childhood cancer. One of St. Baldrick’s traditions involves members, like Mr. Corrao, shaving their heads as a sign of solidarity to childhood cancer patients who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment.

“The first time I participated I was a little hesitant, just because a person’s hair is a big part of his or her identity,” confessed Mr. Corrao. “But it was that same logic that pushed me past my fears: how vain of me to worry about how I might look when children (and adults too) have to lose their hair through no choice of their own,” he explained.

Despite students’ surprised reactions to Mr. Corrao’s drastic change in appearance, he remains satisfied with his choice to participate in the St. Baldrick tradition. “I’m pretty unbothered by it because I know that it’s for an incredible cause,” he said.

Though Mr. Corrao takes part in this event annually, this year was unique to years past. Prior to shaving, Mr. Corrao’s hair was the longest it had ever been, leading this year’s shave to be the most jarring one yet. Nevertheless, as he continues onwards in his mission to raise awareness, Mr. Corrao can’t help but inspire others to join the cause. 

 “I was invited to participate with some colleagues at my previous school and we recruited some seniors and juniors to participate with us,” he said. “It became this really powerful and emotional bond among this small group of individuals, and it was an incredible opportunity to see students giving back to a great cause.” 

Although Mr. Corrao found it more difficult to recruit teachers and students in later years, he continued to participate in the event with his cousin, and, occasionally, his brother and nephew.

To help further the cause at North, Mr. Corrao plans to host and organize a St. Baldrick’s event at North next year, plans for which are already being considered and supported by Dr. Holtzman.

“I think it could be an amazing opportunity to do some good here in the community. To raise money for this important cause of researching cures for childhood cancer is of course goal number one, but to offer up this very visible and symbolic sign of solidarity is a game-changer for me, and a powerful reminder of the work that’s being done,” Mr. Corrao said.

For now, it’s up to North’s staff and students to contribute to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Shaving one’s hair is undoubtedly scary – but despite these feelings, Mr. Corrao strived to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer. Whether by shaving their hair in solidarity, or donating to cancer research, every individual has the ability to make a positive change.