NORMAN — There was an epidemic of balding men at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday night. Some were already thinning on top, but others went bald a little early to support a youth group member who was diagnosed with cancer.
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When a member of the church's youth group was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia last month, church members came up with a special way to show their love and support: a Buzz Party.
Michael Hudson, 15, was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. Members of the church were shocked when they heard the news of their friend's illness.
Hudson, an Ardmore Middle School student, used to live in Norman and has kept close ties with the community and youth group since he moved.
Youth Director Adam Wilmoth said Hudson still comes back to the church to attend special events and summer camps.
About 20 men and boys in the youth group lined up to get their heads buzzed at the Buzz Party.
Jason Colvin, an adult volunteer worker in the youth department, came up with the idea for the event. He has known Hudson for about three years, saying he is a talented, competitive athlete.
"I played with him this last summer on the church's men's softball team,” he said. "It really came as a shock when we found out he was sick. I thought this would be a good way for us to show our support.”
Holly Morris, a close family friend who gives Hudson a place to stay when he visits Norman, said Hudson has started treatment and already is losing his hair.
Hudson's family thought he might have a staph infection when he started feeling bad a few weeks ago, but it turned out to be cancer, she said.
He will be in the hospital most of the time during the next six months as he undergoes aggressive treatment to fight the disease, she said. He'll be out of the hospital about one week a month.
"Michael can't wait to see the guys and go back to church, and now he won't be out of place. He'll fit right in,” said Morris.
Three sets of clippers were running as members of the youth group stepped up to get their heads shaved.
Zack Blackford, 16, ran his hand over his head after his turn under the clippers. His red hair was taken down to the scalp. "It feels weird,” he said. "I've never had it this short before.”
Blackford said he was willing to take a little off the top if it meant it would make his friend smile.
"I was shocked when I heard he was sick, and I really felt sorry for him. I decided to participate tonight just to honor him and give him support through the chemo,” he said. "All his friends are here rooting for him and praying for him.”
The Buzz Party was videotaped, so Hudson could watch it.
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Clay Morris, left, and Catherine Colvin, right, shave the heads of David Wendel, 17, second from right, and Jonathan Wendel, 14, during a Buzz Party at Trinity Baptist Church. BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN
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