Local Entrepreneur Ashley Russo Shaves Head to Support Childhood Cancer Research

Russo raised over $211,000 to support the Arden Quinn Bucher Memorial Fund.

ASR Media’s owner and community advocate, Ashley Russo, shaved her head on Saturday, Sept. 13, as part of Steel Nation Shaves for the Brave, a St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser supporting childhood cancer research. The event, hosted at the Steel Club in Hellertown, featured live music by The Counterfeiters, raffles, kids’ crafts and a variety of food and drinks for attendees.

“In many ways, this feels like an act of gratitude for my loved ones,” said Russo. “It’s a way to honor the good health of my husband, my children and my family. It’s also something that sparks conversation.”

Russo personally raised over $211,000 by the time her shave was complete, benefiting the Arden Quinn Bucher Memorial Fund. The fund is in honor of Dr. Richard and Amy Bucher's daughter, who lost her life to neuroblastoma. As a “shavee,” Russo inspired friends, family and community members to donate and support lifesaving research.

“We encourage people to keep supporting, even though her hair is gone, the support for Ashley is not,” said Amy Bucher. “What keeps Rick and I going through this is that we are very aware that we are missing milestones for Arden. So when things like weddings, graduations, and birthdays come across, we are recommitting ourselves to her so that her memory is not lost.”

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, helping to accelerate discoveries for more effective treatments and cures. Since its inception 25 years ago, St. Baldrick’s events have raised over $368 million for childhood cancer research.

The 5-year survival rate for childhood cancer has risen from 79% to 85%, yet one in five children diagnosed in the U.S. still do not survive. The organization continues to fund critical research aimed at improving treatment outcomes and pursuing cures for all forms of pediatric cancer.

Russo’s commitment to the community has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Grace Montessori Lifetime Learning Award, LifePath’s Community Service Person of the Year, Girl Scouts of Eastern PA’s Take the Lead Award, United Way’s Community Builder Award, Women United Philanthropist of the Year, and GLVCC’s Volunteer of the Year.