Bailey's team earns $16,000 for cancer

Christy Smith is philosophical about her newly shorn look.

"It's only hair," she said a few days after losing her locks to raise money for childhood cancer research.

She and her husband, former Douglas County Commissioner Tim Smith, their grandsons Bailey, 8, and Cameron, 6, and son-in-law Ron Johnson, had their heads shaved March 16 in Reno to celebrate St. Baldrick's Day.

Bailey Johnson has been fighting neuroblastoma, a cancer that affects nerve cells in children, for most of his life.

He was diagnosed at 9 months old, but now is cancer-free. He celebrated his eighth birthday March 11.

Their team, Bailey's Hope, raised nearly $16,000 for the event.

Christy Smith said there were a few drawbacks.

"People think I am sick," she said, indicating the loss of hair which often accompanies cancer treatment.

She said once she explains the fundraiser, the looks of concern give way to smiles.

Smith also wasn't anticipating last week's return of wintry weather.

"My neck gets cold," she said.

Donations are still being accepted, Smith said.

Checks should be made out to St. Baldrick's and can be mailed to Smith in care of Bailey's Hope, PO Box 712, Genoa NV 89411.

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St. Baldrick's Foundation

www.stbaldricks.org