Jackson teen baldly shows support for cancer research

Kimberly Crossett said she doesn't plan to cover her newly shaved head with a wig. Crossett, a junior at Jackson High School, put together a team to go under the clippers and raise money for child cancer research. Crossett -- along with her dad, boyfriend and youth minister -- shaved her head for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. The organization sponsors hundreds of events across the country. Crossett and her team ventured to St. Louis on Saturday to lose their hair. She said part of the reason for the charitable act is in memory of her young cousin who died of cancer nine years ago.

Age: 17

Why did you decide to shave off your hair for this cause? [My] cousin Rachel Crossett was my main reason, also to help raise money to further the ability to research cancer cures.

How difficult was it to convince your teammates to join you? It didn't take much to persuade, especially my boyfriend, because he is here supporting me through everything.

How much money did your team raise for cancer research? Our team raised at least $600 or more.

What was the most interesting part of the event? The most interesting part I would have to say was the announcer dude. He talked us through it all and was raising more money by people showing their tattoos and such things. He made it more comfortable to shave our heads and make it more enjoyable.

How did your classmates react to your new hairdo? Most were good and very proud/amazed at the new look.

How would you describe your hair before you shaved it off? My hair, hmm, it was very, well, crazy. It was blondish and dark brown underneath. I had never dyed it, so it was usable for locks of love.

Do you have any ideas for interesting hairdos as your hair grows out? Well, the only real crazy one is just spiking it. Otherwise I just plan to leave it and throw in a headband!

Kimberly Crossett before having her had shaved to support childhood cancer research.

Are you going to prom? Did you pick a dress that would match your new look? Yes I am going to prom, and no not yet. But I have realized that clothes that I wore before do not necessarily look that good with the hair now.

What have you learned from this experience? I have learned that we should not be selfish, and that hair is something often taken for granted but it shouldn't be. I am learning [about] the looks you get from people and how hard it is for cancer patients.