Most men, especially of a certain age, would hesitate to sacrifice what hair they have left. Not R. J. Hufnagel of Emsworth, who will shave his head this Saturday to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Pictured above, wife Dena clips a few strands of hair to help R.J. warm up for the main event. Photo by Tom Steiner for The Citizen

Emsworth resident Richard "R. J." Hufnagel admits that having his head shaved for charity does not entail that much of a sacrifice.

"Really, there isn't that much there," he said, running a hand through some of the thicker areas remaining on sides and back, all of it scheduled for removal this Saturday, March 13, as part of a fund-raiser for childhood cancer research.

"A friend's daughter died of cancer a few years ago and she got people together to do this. That's how I got involved."

The sponsoring organization, the St. Baldrick's Foundation, is not named for a real saint. It's more a play on the St. Patrick name, as the annual head-shaving is always scheduled close to that saint's name day.

R.J. said that he usually raises about $1,000 from sponsors who can donate directly to him or on-line at www.StBaldricks.org.

"My total is modest compared to those who raise several thousands of dollars each year," he said.

While the cause is serious, the charity can be fun. The "barbers" usually include some Steelers and local TV personalities who will join this year's donors at Claddaugh's Irish Pub in the South Side Works.

R.J. explained that aside from the money raised, the event represents a show of solidarity with kids who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.

"What they're going through is tough enough without having to deal with that," he said.