We have answered the call to be heroes! We've teamed up to have our heads shaved – to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer, but more importantly, to raise money to find cures. Click "Make a donation" to give online, or donate by phone or mail. You can also join in being hero's for kids with cancer by selecting 'Participate With This Team'. Thank you for your support. EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION April 20, 2011 By Don Conrard President Brad Tilden became an Eagle Scout while he was still in high school. On May 5, he’ll become a bald eagle when two lucky employees give him a buzz cut during a benefit for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The amateur barbers will be chosen in a random drawing among employees who donate at least $5 to the foundation, which funds research to fight childhood cancers. “Anyone who has met a child with cancer can’t help but want to help fight this difficult disease,” Tilden said. The Alaska Airlines president volunteered to participate in the unique fundraiser because of his close relationship with the family of 4-year-old Ramsey Farrar, whom he met in 2009 when the boy helped introduce the airline’s new Disneyland livery during a ceremony in Portland. Later the same day, Ramsey and his family flew to Disneyland on a trip sponsored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ramsey, who suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, has since appeared on Alaska Airlines websites, brochures, posters and pamphlets. He even visited with employees during a reception in Portland last year. “Ramsey and his family have been good friends of Alaska Airlines and have done so much good for St. Baldricks as well as The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” Tilden said. “Joe [Ramsey’s father] asked me to get involved and I wanted to support him, his family and St. Baldrick’s.” Tilden’s hair will be cut in front of the ticket counter at Portland International Airport. On hand for the event will be members of the University of Portland soccer team and Timber Joey, the official mascot of the Portland Timbers. There will be more hair in the air on May 14 when up to 300 volunteers will have their heads shaved during a mass fundraising event in Portland for St. Baldrick’s. Among the shavees will be Portland Mayor Sam Adams. Alaska Airlines is supporting the event with a donation of airline tickets. The head-shaving event started in 2000 as friendly challenge between friends and has since grown to a worldwide effort that has raised more than $100 million, according to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The shaved heads show empathy for children who lose their hair during chemotherapy treatments. For St. Baldrick's participants, it makes the statement that they care.