A group of people on a stage, some wearing costumes, including a woman with a crown and sash, and a man with a top hat and red coat. The backdrop has a cartoon elephant, and the stage is decorated with gold streamers.

Our Mission

Brave the Shave believes all kids deserve a healthy, worry-free childhood. This is why we are committed to supporting the full spectrum of their cancer journey by providing assistance to the families and supporting critical research. Your donations primarily fund the Brave the Shave Family Fund and pediatric cancer research through The Andrew McDonough Be Positive (B+) Foundation.

Our Philosophy

  • Family Assistance

    At Brave the Shave, we believe no parent facing a child’s cancer diagnosis should ever have to choose between paying a utility bill and staying by their child’s bedside. Our philosophy is rooted in swift, dignity-first relief—delivering direct financial support to North Dakota families during treatment and up through one year post-treatment. By lifting the heavy burden of everyday expenses and travel costs, we empower families to devote their full energy to what matters most: healing, loving, and fighting alongside their child.

  • Community Building

    No family should ever have to navigate pediatric cancer in isolation. Our community building program is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate circle of belonging for North Dakota families, connecting current Honorees, survivors, and bereaved loved ones through year-round gatherings and shared experiences. By fostering authentic peer support and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our heroes, we ensure that every family feels seen, celebrated, and deeply wrapped in the strength of a community that fights right alongside them.

  • Supporting Research

    We believe that supporting families today means investing in cures for tomorrow. Beyond providing immediate relief, Brave the Shave is dedicated to funding groundbreaking pediatric cancer research that accelerates safer treatments, minimizes long-term side effects, and works toward a future where no child has to face cancer. By partnering with leading researchers and organizations, we channel the generosity of our community directly into innovative science that brings real hope and brighter tomorrows to every courageous child.

Meet Our Team

  • LaShae Graf

    Executive Director

  • Mike Eggl

    Board President

  • Angie Eggl

    Treasurer

  • Dana Henry

    Volunteer Coordinator

  • Brent Wetzel

    Silent Auction Coordinator

  • Gordon Lemmel

    Digital Infrastructure & Media

  • Alex Zimmerman

    Board Member

  • Ellie Eggl

    Board Member

  • Jordan Johnson

    Play for a Purpose Liasion

  • Taner Ohlson

    Muddy for a Cause Liasion

  • Kristi Becker

    Family Liasion

  • Marie Bittner

    Fundraising Specialist

  • Randi Aberle

    Board Member

  • "Brave the Shave feels like family. The communication is great, and we always know our child loved."

    - Parent

  • "Brave the Shave didn't just help lighten the financial strain on our family—they surrounded us with a community that made us feel seen, supported, and never alone."

    -Parent

  • "From day one of treatment through every milestone after, Brave the Shave has been intentional about stepping up for our family when we needed it most."

    -Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any additional questions please contact us.

  • Brave the Shave provides comprehensive financial and emotional support to help families focus on their child's health rather than the stress of secondary expenses.

    Key Areas of Support

    • Direct Financial Grants: Assistance with immediate living expenses during active treatment, including mortgage or rent payments, monthly utilities, gas, and groceries.

    • Travel & Lodging Assistance: Coverage for travel-related costs, such as hotel stays near treatment centers, fuel cards, and transportation expenses for specialized medical care.

    • Family Comfort & Essential Needs: Support tailored to individual family "pain points" to help cover household bills or specific daily needs while a parent is off work or caring for their child.

    • Community & Emotional Support: Connection to a network of fellow honoree families, volunteers, and local events to offer camaraderie, hope, and ongoing encouragement throughout the entire cancer journey.

  • While shaving your head is the iconic symbol of Brave the Shave, it isn't the only way to support the cause. You can register as a fundraiser, make a direct donation, create a team, or volunteer your time at events. The primary goal is raising funds and awareness for kids fighting cancer, so any form of creative participation and support is welcome.

  • You sure can host your own event! Just reach out to us directly at info@bravetheshave.net to tell us more about what you have in mind.

  • Children and young adults diagnosed with cancer from birth up to age 18 qualify as official Brave the Shave honorees.