St. Baldrick’s Supporters Let Their Hair Down for a Good Cause

It was a close shave Tuesday evening, March 5, when dozens of people willingly had their heads shorn in a show of solidarity for those with cancer.

The 16th annual St. Baldrick’s celebration, organized by Wilton High School’s St. Baldrick’s Foundation club Conquer Kids’ Cancer saw around 30 students and even one staff member go under the shaver for charity, raising money for pediatric cancer research and sending a message to those who may have lost their hair during treatment that they’re not alone.

“I just think it’s really important to support cancer research,” said junior Sophia Partola, 16, who participated for the first time. “It really affects families and I think it’s important to search for the cure.”

Asked how going hairless would impact her, she was sanguine.

“It’s for a good cause,” she said, “and it’s really convenient. I’m gonna save money on shampoo.”

The main work of the evening was carried out by five volunteer local stylists, who closed their shops and took time out of other commitments to be there.

“I just want to do something good and give back to the community,” said Alisa Gianpoalo, owner of Great Clips in Wilton, who came with stylist Bonnie Simonetty.

Other participants included Guy Monteleone of Arena Hair Stylists, Jerry Ventrella of Branchville Hair Design, and Michael Criscuolo, a trained pro cutter who also works as Wilton High School’s plant manager.

This year’s event coincided with the imminent retirement of guidance counselor Daniel Pompa, who helped start the club 16 years ago with former student Reed Dempsey. Pompa, who has had his own challenges with cancer, was honored for his work on the event.

“It’s a job that starts tomorrow for the next year,” said Pompa, who is handing the reins to WHS teacher Greg Theriault, who saw his own hair hitting the floor Tuesday night.

“It’s a whole year, and there’s so many little things to do from legal, to so much paperwork, trying to keep organizing stuff,” Pompa said. “Luckily I’ve got a decent team and they’re helping organize it.”

“This is our 16th year,” he said. “All total to date, we’ve raised $440,000 for 16 years.”

“We want to find a cure,” he said.

For many of the participants, it’s personal, including Owen Theoharides, 18, a senior at the high school.

“My sister was diagnosed with (cancer) when she was five, in 2013,” he said, following in the footsteps of his older brothers, who participated in the club while at the high school.

“My brothers formed a relationship with Mr. Pompa,” he said, whom he described as connecting with their family and serving as a significant mentor to him personally.

Now 16, his sister, Lyla Theoharides, a sophomore at WHS, is a lacrosse player who’s about to get her driver’s license.

“It really taught us how lucky we were,” Owen said of his family’s experience being involved with the club, “and we want to help other families be as lucky as us.”