Niceville restaurant owner will shave head to raise money to fight cancer

NICEVILLE, FL - Susan Hudson, a.k.a. “The Hamburger Dave’s Lady” at Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q in Niceville, is hoping to raise as much as $10,000 for the American Cancer Society when she has her hair cut off and head shaved during Niceville’s Relay for Life next month.

Hudson’s hair will be donated to Locks of Love, where it will be used to make a hairpiece for a financially disadvantaged child suffering from long-term medical hair loss. The high quality wigs help restore self-esteem and confidence.

 “I might be called ‘egg head’ or ‘baldy’ but that’s OK, it’s for a good cause,” said Hudson.

Hudson, who normally keeps her hair cut short, has been allowing her hair to grow long since December 2006. That’s when she read a published “Dear Santa” letter from a child who had lost her hair as a result of a medical condition. The letter touched Hudson’s heart.

 “I decided then and there to let my hair grow so I could cut it and donate it to Locks of Love,” explained Hudson. “Just imagine what a difference it will make in the life of a child,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes. “I feel so blessed to be able to do this.”

Hudson decided to completely shave her head as a way to honor cancer victims and survivors. Hudson lost her mother and grandmother to cancer. It also took the lives of two of her employees, a neighbor and the daughter of a close friend. In addition, the disease claimed the life of one of her beloved pet Yorkies.

The idea of turning her haircut into a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society came to Hudson during last year’s Relay for Life, when she said the large number of young cancer survivors caught her eye. Susan and her husband, Dave Hudson, own and operate Jin ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q and provide food for the participants in the event each year.

 “After seeing all of the children there I wanted to do something more to help,” said Hudson.

Hudson has set a fundraising goal of $10,000. She is counting on the generosity of local businesses and individuals to raise the money.

 “I’m asking people to donate whatever they can afford, even if it’s only a dollar or two,” said Hudson.

Hudson is just now kicking off her fundraising efforts but said she already has pledges of up to $500. Several individuals have promised to raise funds in their neighborhoods or at their offices, and at least one school is planning to donate the proceeds of a fundraiser. Hudson’s hair will be cut off and head shaved April 25, 8 p.m., during the Relay for Life at Niceville High School Football Stadium.

If you would like to contribute, checks can be mailed to Hudson, dropped off at Jim ‘n Nick’s, or picked up from you. To contribute, make your check payable to American Cancer Society. The mailing address for contributions is: Susan Hudson, 201 Alonzo Ct., Niceville, FL 32578.

For more information, or to have your check picked up, call Hudson at 729-7202. A flyer detailing the fundraising effort can be downloaded from Niceville.com.