2270 Highway 133
Carbondale , Co 81623
November, 2013
Volume 7 Issue 2
The Rampage
Photo by Sue Rollyson During the RFHS community meeting on October 18, sixty-three students and staff members shaved their heads in support of Ivone Muñoz’s battle with cancer. In total, the community has raised close to $4,000 to help with Muñoz’s medical bills.
- Caitlin O’Gorman Eyebrows were raised and blades were sharpened when 63 courageous students and staff members at RFHS shaved their heads on October 18 in support of Ivone Muñoz, who has been teaching at Carbondale Schools for 21 years. She was diagnosed with cancer last year, which led to the removal of one of her kidneys before the tumor metastasized to her lungs. Muñoz started this year with hope, but she had to take a leave of absence due to chemotherapy treatment. The Carbondale community began to fundraise in order to lessen her overwhelming medical expenses. Students and staff members alike were distressed by Muñoz’s absense in the halls. Wendy Boland, RFHS math teacher, decided to show her support by shaving her own head in solidarity. “I wanted to shave my head so [she is] not the only bald person in the school,” Boland explained. Boland said that she doesn’t feel different without hair, and she did it in order to raise money for Muñoz. “I met Ms. Muñoz when she was teaching ELL math four years ago. I was impressed with how she advocates for her students,” Boland said. The mastermind behind the fundraiser was Drew Ad-
Shaving heads, saving lives RFHS goes bald in attempt to fundraise money for teacher
ams, RFHS Principal, who also participated in the assembly. “Ms. Muñoz is a great motivator and an inspiration,” Adams said. “Mrs. Boland wanted to know when she was coming back because she wanted to shave her head. After that, I thought it would be a great idea to make it schoolwide, for students and staff members to fundraise to get their heads shaved.” On the day of the fundraiser the atmosphere at RFHS became infectious, more and more people went in front of the school to show their support by having their hair
shaved off. “Having 63 students and staff members shave their heads exceeded my expectations,” Adams stated. Another teacher who shaved his head was Matthew Wells, RFHS social studies teacher. He explained his reasons for taking part in the fundraiser, “shaving your hair is a cool thing, and it shows Ivone that we care about her,” he said. RFHS sophomore, Chloe Brand decided to shave her head in the spur of the moment. “Lots of people were doing it, and it’s a good thing,” she said, “my grandma had cancer, and her hair never grew back. I wanted to do it for her. When they were talking about Ms. Muñoz, I wanted to do it because she’s a good person. What’s not having thick long hair for two years?” Brand added. “It was kind of exciting and scary at the same time, but it feels good that I don’t have my long hair anymore.” Several professional hairdressers volunteered to participate in the fundraiser. The Rampage thanks Debbie Thompson, Kacy DiMarco, Jade Bath, Dominique Needham, Joy Rosenberg, and Monica Muniz for donating their time and expertise. Also, thanks to the less experienced hairdressers, Adam Carballeira and Lindsay Hentschel. Everyone’s support is graciously appreciated.