CULLMAN — PARKSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL GO BALD TO FIGHT CANCER ON 10/21.

Joining thousands across the country in Be Bold, Be Bald! fundraising event.

For many cancer patients, going bald is not a choice. It is just one of the many challenges they face as they bravely fight the disease. On October 21, seventh- and eighth-grade students and faculty at Parkside School in Baileyton will join thousands of people across the country as they put vanity aside and wear a bald cap to show solidarity with those who bravely fight cancer and raise money to help fight back.

The event is Be Bold, Be Bald!, a national fundraiser started by Boston advertising agency, Small Army, after losing its co-founder to the disease. In less than 2 years, the event has raised more than $250,000, with 100 percent of the net proceeds going to cancer charities.

By going about their day as usual — riding to school or work, eating lunch, attending a football game, and going out shopping — participants get a small taste of what many cancer patients face. And, others can sponsor them for their bold move. (Bald caps and other fundraising items are sent to participants after they register).

"This is a learning experience in empathy that our students do not soon forget," states Jacy Douglas, a middle school teacher and sponsor of Parkside's Junior Honor Society. Their team, Parkside Panthers, will donate its sponsorships in honor of Hunter Cox, a former Parkside honor student who is currently in remission after being diagnosed with sarcoma last year.

In its third year, Be Bold, Be Bald! unites and supports more than 15 cancer charities, from The Jimmy Fund and LIVESTRONG to local charities such as Heaps of Hope, East Alabama Medical Center, No Stomach for Cancer and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. Participants choose the charity for which they would like to support and grants are made accordingly. In 2010, due to generous donations and support, each of the participating cancer charities received more than 100 percent of the funds raised on their behalf.

Donations to the team can be made by credit or debit card at beboldbebald.kintera.org/parksidepanthers or by cash or check by contacting Parkside School. All donations are tax deductible.

Be Bold, Be Bald! is managed by Small Army for a Cause, a 501c3 organization committed to helping raise awareness and funds for medical-related causes. Small Army for a Cause was founded in 2008 by Boston Advertising Agency. Small Army, in honor of its co-founder, Mike Connell, a two-time cancer survivor who lost his life to the disease in November 2007.