Clark student organizes St. Baldrick’s fundraiser for cancer research

A Clark Magnet High School student’s senior project is revolving around haircuts — close shaves, to be exact — not because she wants to become a stylist, but rather to help save children’s lives.

Marina Makumyan is organizing a fundraiser where participants have their heads shaved to benefit cancer research.

The 17-year-old is putting together the event through the nonprofit St. Baldrick’s, which has inspired more than 380,000 people throughout the country to lose their locks for the cause, said Traci Shirk, media and public relations manager for St. Baldrick’s.

Since the organization started in 2000, it’s raised more than $234 million, Shirk added.

Makumya said the choice to base her senior project, which is required to graduate, on something that helps youngsters was an easy one to make.

“When I found out I could do a senior project at my school, I decided that a charity event could be good because I could help little kids,” Makumyan said. “I love little kids. Helping them and saving a child’s life was always a goal of mine.”

Putting a St. Baldrick’s event together is also giving Makumyan a chance to gain exposure to event planning, something she wants to do as a career.

“I want to open up my own business and do event planning, not just wedding and anniversaries, but also charity events like the one I’m doing right now,” she said, adding that she would like to continue working with St. Baldrick’s in the future.

Makumyan’s charity event will be held at 2 p.m. March 28 at the Rockwell, 1714 N. Vermont Ave.

A number of teams are involved including Makumyan’s own, the Panthers, which has raised $260, so far, and recruited two males to part with their hair.

Makumyan herself thought about sitting in the barber’s chair, but chose not to because of one of the most important events that many students enjoy their senior year.

“I was actually going to do it, I had set my mind to it, but then I found out that prom was two weeks away and I was like, I really don’t want to go bald, so maybe next year,” she said.

With all teams combined, Makumyan’s event has raised about $5,000 with a goal of $30,000, and 15 people have signed up to have their heads shaved.

Sandra Mardiros, a program administrator for an oncology division at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, said Makumyan is doing something she loves, but also she has a personal connection with the cause.

Makumyan’s mother battled cancer a few years ago and is a survivor.

“You can see it stuck with her,” said Mardiros, who is Makumyan’s mentor on the project. “I hope it continues, she’s so passionate about it.”