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Bald Blessings; Jackson girl shaves her head for Cancer

By Holly Brantley

JACKSON, MO (KFVS) - It's a startling statistic, one of every five children diagnosed with cancer will die. Thousands are diagnosed every year. Research however, offers hope. That's why one girl from Jackson decided she wanted to make a difference.

"I love it, it just tingles my heart knowing I'm doing it," said Kimberly Crossett.

A bag full of hair represents the selfless act of a Jackson Junior in High School. Kimberly Crossett went to St. Louis Saturday as a shoulder length blonde. But, that was before she got up on stage and shaved it all off.

It's an extreme makeover for St. Baldrick's, an organization that raises money for kids with Cancer.

"Its amazing this little girl was up on stage and there was all these people and she was just smiling knowing all these people were there for her," said Kimberly.

Kimberly's dad, boyfriend, and youth minister also took part. Cancer hits close to home for the Crossett family. Kimberly's cousin Rachel was diagnosed with cancer at age 3 in 1998.

If you go to St. Baldrick's web site, you'll see Rachel is listed as an Angel. She lost her fight in 2001.

"That's the reason we did this," said John Crossett. "For kids like her."

Now they are on a mission to get others involved. They have a fundraising team called: Bald Blessings at www.stbaldricks.org. There, anyone can make donations for research. You can also learn more about Rachel, a little girl taken from the family too early.

They hope now her memory will help encourage others to make a difference.

"Kimberly's got a great heart," said John Crossett. "That's why I'm so proud of her for doing it for all kids especially for her cousin."