Caroline the Ambassador
Caroline was one of five St. Baldrick's 2015 Ambassadors selected to represent the thousands of kids touched by childhood cancer.
Caroline lit up every room she entered with her magnificent smile and friendliness - often the "pied piper" of friends and animals alike. Her giving spirit and contagious grin persisted through chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and physical therapy. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right arm in January 2014, Caroline spent most of that year in the hospital. Despite treatment, Caroline’s disease continued to progress and she died on January 9, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.
2025
$4,352
Funds Raised in 2025
2024
$6,104
Funds Raised in 2024
$263,794
Total Funds Raised
Since 2014
The Story Behind This Hero Fund
Since she was a little girl, Caroline roamed her Texas neighborhood bearing freshly baked goods and making friends with all the neighbors.
Caroline’s giving spirit and contagious grin persisted through chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and physical therapy. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right arm in January 2014, Caroline spent most of that year in the hospital in Houston.
Despite the treatment, Caroline’s disease continued to progress and she died on January 9, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.
"We have learned that statistics don't matter — this disease is highly personalized. Each child responds differently as we have learned with our many challenges over this past year," her father, Mark, said. When Caroline felt well enough, she liked to go shopping and spend time with family, friends, her two Labradoodles, and her newest family member, Herbert the Hedgehog.
She loved all holidays, but especially Easter and Christmas, when she relished picking out the perfect presents for her loved ones and decorating. Her motto with holiday decorations was "more is more"! Her mom, Lauren, said, "She was a 'giver' and loved to share happiness. She once told me how much she loves to just make people laugh.”
Highlights & Happenings
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What is Osteosarcoma?Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in children. Learn more about this type of cancer here! -
Virtual Shave for Uncle DaveCaroline's uncle, Dave Lugar, believes that no child should suffer the same loss that Caroline and her family did. He's decided to kick off his own virtual event.
Photo Gallery
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Funding in Action
Donations given to the Sweet Caroline Fund have generously supported a St. Baldrick's Scholar grant for Lara Davis, M.D., a St. Baldrick's Research grant for Susan Miranda, Ph.D., and a St.Baldrick's Fellow Grant for Avanthi Shah, M.D. These researchers are developing better treatments for osteosarcoma.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the childhood cancer community, to ensure that every dollar makes the greatest impact for kids with cancer.
Who's Involved
These people make us smile - they’re the doers and money-raisers on behalf of the Sweet Caroline Fund. They’re shaving their heads, hosting events, starting fundraisers and more to make childhood cancer research possible.
Thank You to Our 2025 Donors
$500–$999
- Lauren Richards
- Sarah Antenora In Honor Of Elena Antenora
- Dell
$100–$249
- Jennifer Hasvold
- Jolene L Skinner
- Hagen Patterson
- Anonymous
- Stacy Toomey In Honor Of Caroline Richards
- Jennifer Bassett
- Merrell and Art Shearer
$1–$99
- Luciane Salgado
- Courtney Brown
- Carrie Howell
- Doris Walton
Get Involved Your Own Way
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Create An Event
Start your own St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to support our Hero Fund! A dedicated staff member will guide you every step of the way—and you’ll have fun doing something great for kids with cancer.
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Be a Shavee
Register to shave your head and support our Hero Fund at any St. Baldrick’s event worldwide! No event nearby? Go virtual and shave anytime, anywhere.
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Start a Fundraiser
Not into head-shaving? No problem! Start a fundraiser for our Hero Fund doing something you love—bike a marathon, host a bake sale, anything goes!
Need help? Email us at Funds@StBaldricks.org
