Players, coaches and athletic trainers associated with the Portland Pilots men’s soccer team recently shaved their heads as part of the eighth annual St. Baldrick’s Day Foundation’s “Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids’ Cancer” event.

Every year, thousands of volunteers shave their heads in solidarity with children with cancer, requesting donations from friends, family and community members. The funds help pay for cancer research, particularly for forms of the disease that affect children.

“This is an opportunity for us to give back to the community, and we want to do everything in our power to support these brave individuals,” said sophomore Alex Kraus. “This will hopefully allow us to make a lasting impact on the many lives affected by cancer. It’s our goal to continue and increase our efforts in the future.”

The team raised $5,872 as of April 27, nearly double its goal of $3,000. They shaved their heads – and honored17 children fighting cancer – at Barracuda Bar and Grill in downtown Portland on April 19.

The Pilots also took donations at a home baseball game and women’s soccer exhibition match earlier this month and set up an online donation page to allow people to continue to donate. The page also includes more information about the children honored by the student-athletes.