For the first time in her life, Onset’s April Hall went bald earlier this month, but she did it for a cause – helping ease the burden of families fighting cancer.

On June 4, Hall joined hundreds of others at Patriot Place for the One Mission Kid’s Cancer Buzz-Off. All participants took pledges in exchange for getting buzz cuts. Money raised benefits families of kids diagnosed with cancer. The funds will be used to provide financial relief, ease the toll of hospitalization and create programs that offer emotional support.

“Now they can concentrate on getting their kids better instead of worrying about their bills!” said Hall. “I've always had a special place in my heart for children, but when a child is sick and a mother can't fix them that's pain enough, never mind having to have to worry about expenses during or after treatment.”

Hall said she has a lot of empathy for those families, having dealt with several health scares in her own family.

She says her son and husband would not be alive if not for the staff at Massachusetts General Hospital and Tobey Hospital. Her son, 24-year-old Brandford Hall, III, has suffered life-threatening medical conditions several times since he was born. Her husband of 31 years nearly died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Both are doing well now.

In total, Hall raised $1,500 – triple her original goal of $500 – “thanks to a strong community of family, friends U.C.T. Colleges, neighbors teachers and Mario’s Barbershop patrons.”

Hall said she felt privileged to be part of the event. She doesn’t even miss her hair.

“What a small price to pay to help lessen the financial burden for the parents!” she said.