Devon Van Loon keeps brother's memory alive through St. Baldrick's Foundation

Through their involvement in the annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation event at Valley Children’s Hospital, Memorial sophomore Devon Van Loon and his family are keeping his brother’s memory alive. Devon’s older brother lost his fight to cancer in 2012 at the age of 13

St. Baldrick’s Foundation, formerly created in 2004 following several years of successful volunteer driven events, raises awareness and money for childhood cancer research. Many people, groups, and organizations from across the country join forces to raise funds for the foundation through donation drives, shaving or cutting hair, and other creative endeavors. 

“My involvement with St. Baldrick’s began when my brother was diagnosed back in 2008. Even though I was young at the time, I did my part; whether it was playing with patients who needed a buddy or helping to run an activity. As I got older though, I was able to do more to help out my mother,” Devon explained.

My mom made a promise to my brother before he died to keep this going in his memory, said Devon. “My brother was very passionate about this Foundation and the event. He even fought to keep it at Valley Children’s Hospital,” he recalled.  “He convinced the hospital that it was important to have the event on the back lawn of the hospital so that kids who had treatments scheduled that weekend or who were sick, could come out of their rooms for awhile and enjoy it. It’s a day all about them, to show them support and love.”

The big event is a family affair for the Van Loons. “I help my mom by sharing ideas about fun activities and food.  I also recruit friends to come out and volunteer,” he said. “On the day of the event I set up a booth with friends. When needed, I help patients in wheelchairs get around and others who might need help with their balance. I also am a buddy for those who need someone to hang out with at the event.” 

This is Devon’s 10th year of volunteering at St. Baldrick’s. Each year, he is the first person to shave his head in honor of his brother while sharing his story with everyone in attendance. “This event is very important to me because it was important to my brother,” said Devon. “I understand what these patients are going through as well as their siblings; I understand their journey as I experienced it first hand. My family and I find healing by sharing our own story and offering advice to patients and families on this same journey.” 

Devon encourages his friends and others to come out and volunteer at St. Baldrick’s. “This is an eye opening experience for those who do not know much about childhood cancer,” he said. “To see up close children fighting for their lives, from babies to teenagers, is life-changing. Our petty problems are nothing compared to what these patients go through on a daily basis.” 

Plans are underway for the 2020 event and it’s open to the public.  According to Devon, “We are always looking for donations of any kind (monetary, items for patient gift bags, raffle prizes, candy, etc.) We also encourage schools, groups, and organizations to come out and join us that day. It is a carnival like atmosphere with super heroes, local heroes, and princesses.”

To learn more about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation visit: https://www.stbaldricks.org  or just ask Devon’s mom! Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KobeAGarciaAnnualStBaldricksEvent/