Students, faculty shave heads to support girl fighting cancer

Many at Alleghany High School are supporting 8-year-old Emily Byer

ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. – Alleghany High School students and teachers shaved their heads to show a local girl diagnosed with cancer that she won't be bald alone.

This summer, 8-year-old Emily Byer was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma when doctors discovered tumors behind her eye.

Forty Alleghany High School students and staff have shaved their heads. In fact, most of the football team is bald right now.

The football players posed for a picture holding a sign that reads "brave the shave.”

“A lot of us feel more like family than friends,” explained Cole Byer, Emily’s cousin and football player.

Despite the chemo treatments and forthcoming surgery, Emily has been touched by all the support from the community.

“A lot of people don't have money to give, but they have a lot of love and support to give," said teacher Gavin Haynes. "That speaks a lot about those kids."


About the Author:

After working and going to school in Central Virginia for over five years, Lindsey’s made her way back home to the mountains.