Special guests included University of Louisville Head Football Coach Bobby Petrino, U of L Head Women’s Basketball Coach Jeff Walz and U of L football players Kyle Bolin and Mason King.

All funds raised benefit the Children’s Hospital Foundation and go directly to support cancer programs at Norton Children’s Hospital and Norton Cancer Institute’s pediatric oncology and hematology services. Special thanks to Chili’s Grill and Bar, which raised more than $30,000.

If you missed the event, it’s not too late to help kids fighting cancer at Norton Children’s Hospital. Visit ClipforKids.org.

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Register now to clip, trim or shave your hair on May 15, 2016, in solidarity with kids fighting cancer at Norton Children’s Hospital. If you’re not ready for a hairstyle change, learn about other ways to support the hospital’s Chili’s Clip for Kids event.

The post Getting a haircut can spread hope appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“It touches my heart to see these kids be so brave, and this is my way of giving back to them.”

Jerry in a clip: Veteran barber for various fundraisers

Chili’s® Clip for Kids isn’t Jerry’s first rodeo. He has been using his skills to give back in some capacity for 40 years. He has fond memories doing “cut-a-thons” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, where he cut hair for 24 hours straight, and he has been involved with other organizations as well. About four years ago he began volunteering for Clip for Kids.

A quick trim with Jerry …

What do you say when someone is freaking out about shaving their head?
I ask them, “Are you ready?” and then laugh. Then I reassure them that it will grow back in a hurry.

What’s the best part about Chili’s Clip for Kids?
When I shave a parent’s or sibling’s head in honor of their child, brother, sister, etc. They talk about the child and their memories as I am shaving. I admire them so much for doing this.

Wendy Batts
Salon 123

“Hair is such a small part of who you are, and inner beauty is more important than outer beauty.”

Wendy in a clip: A hairdresser with a big heart

Wendy has participated in Chili’s Clip for Kids for two years now but was struck by one especially emotional story: A little boy and his grandmother came to her station and both got their hair totally shaved off. The little boy told his grandmother that it was all going to be OK and that he was going to be OK. His grandmother was crying, but he had the biggest smile on his face.

That’s why Wendy loves this event — because she gets to witness some of the most courageous children standing in solidarity with other kids who don’t get to choose to lose their hair.

A quick trim with Wendy …

What kind of haircut do you prefer (a clip, trim or shave)?
I prefer to give a clip because you can always change the shape to fit their personality.

Why do you like participating in Chili’s Clip for Kids?
Volunteering for this important cause makes me feel that I will help make the world a better place. Everyone should do their part.

Joshua Cole Scott-Lewis
Salon 123

“I thoroughly enjoy shaving heads. It is kind of exciting to see the beauty that one has when they are not hiding behind hair.”

Joshua in a clip: Chili’s Clip for Kids committee member and humbled hairdresser

As a committee member, Joshua works with all the volunteer barbers and sees firsthand the selflessness they bring to the event. And what matches this generosity and service are the stories he hears while clipping. He says such a story is unique and personal, both joyful and saddening. This is why he clips for kids: to meet the people who give, serve and stand in solidarity with children who need help in their fight against cancer.

A quick trim with Joshua …

What advice would you have for someone who is afraid to get a haircut?
First I would say we don’t have to shave your hair; we can trim it and maybe next year we could do more. Also I give them my card at the end of their cut and offer a free shape-up or cut within the week following, since the day of the event can be sort of in-and-out. I feel they are doing something a lot of people cannot do and want them to feel at ease.

What is one thing that people might not know about Chili’s Clip for Kids?
The volunteers do so much for this event to help not only the children with cancer at Norton Children’s Hospital but the rest but the community as a whole. With the hard work of these amazing and selfless people we are able to bring support to those who need it.

What can your personality tell you about your next haircut?
Take a quiz to find out!

Learn more about how you can get involved in Chili’s Clip for Kids.

The post Stories behind the scissors appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Two years since the end of Mya’s treatment, she remains cancer-free and is enjoying the life of a typical toddler.

For kids like Mya, losing their hair is just one part of their fight against cancer. Now you can join the fight too. Clip, trim or shave your hair to raise awareness and support care for childhood cancer. Register now at ClipforKids.org.

The post Meet Mya: Chili’s Clip for Kids honoree appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

I am blessed to be a part of hundreds of worthwhile events. Norton Children’s Hospital asked me a few years ago to be master of ceremonies for an affair that literally changed my life. I did not know exactly what to expect since this event — Chili’s® Clip for Kids — was the first event of its kind for Norton Children’s Hospital.

I knew children were not exempt from the horrible disease, but my hope was that not many are affected. To my surprise, a large tent was overflowing with children fighting cancer along with their families and friends who were ready to raise funds for a cure. Even the nationally recognized staff from 7 West, the floor that houses cancer patients at Norton Children’s Hospital, shaved their heads and emptied their pockets to work for a cure and expand support for the families they serve.

Since I began my efforts to raise funds for cancer care, Sammy Pardue has died. His cancer had returned. A picture of me with Sammy and Brooke occupies a prominent place in my living room. Unfortunately, many more pictures of children who have died from cancer have been placed around it. I say a prayer each day for them and all other families who are on this journey to defeat cancer.

I have worked with Norton Children’s Hospital every year they’ve asked me, and at any other event that focuses on the needs of children and families facing cancer. Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children and adolescents. Cancer not only devours a child’s body, it also can destroy a family’s bank account, their spirit and their home life. It leaves nothing unaffected.

There’s no way I can understand the pain of a parent who has lost a child to cancer, but what I do understand is the support that’s needed for these children and their families to win the fight. They need our emotional and financial support.

Advocacy is crucial to this victory and so is making sure we have the best of what we need right here at home. I am asking anyone who can join us to get involved by supporting Chili’s Clip for Kids on May 15 at Fourth Street Live!.

You do not have to clip, trim or shave your hair to fight childhood cancer at Norton Children’s Hospital. Just donate what you can to someone you know, or donate online. All funds raised by Chili’s Clip for Kids stay here at home to help children fighting cancer. And we all know there’s no place like home.

Sign up for Chili’s Clip for Kids, or find other ways to support the Addison Jo Blair Cancer Care Center at Norton Children’s Hospital at ClipForKids.org.

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