Every September in the Cayman Islands, something extraordinary happens at Cricket Square in George Town. Hundreds gather on the grounds of The Wicket, and one by one, men, women, and children sit down to have their heads shaved completely bare. They do this because of a little girl named Hannah Meeson, whose fight with cancer inspired a community to create one of the most successful childhood cancer fundraising events in the world. Hannah's Heroes Big Shave is now in its 11th year in 2026, having raised nearly $3 million for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, and remains one of the most emotionally powerful community events in the Caribbean.
"Eleven years. Nearly $3 million. Hundreds of bald heads on a Cricket Square lawn every September, belonging to men and women and children who came to Grand Cayman or who grew up here and decided that one afternoon of looking different was worth everything it could buy for a child fighting cancer somewhere in the world."
Hannah's Story: Where It All Started
The Origin of a Movement
Hannah Meeson was born in the Cayman Islands, a happy and spirited child. When she was diagnosed with childhood cancer, her parents and the Cayman community responded with love and action. The Big Shave was created in her honor, aiming to raise awareness and funding for childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick's Foundation.
The initial goal was to reach $250,000 in fundraising through head-shaving events. Eleven years later, nearly $3 million has been raised, making it one of the most successful individual St. Baldrick's shave events globally. This journey from a community gathering to a significant fundraiser is a testament to the power of collective action.
What Happens at the Big Shave: The September Event
An Evening of Emotion and Solidarity
The Hannah's Heroes Big Shave takes place every September at The Wicket in Cricket Square, George Town, Grand Cayman, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event follows a format that has become familiar and beloved:
- Hundreds of supporters gather on the Cricket Square grounds to watch, cheer, and witness the head shaves.
- Participants registered and fundraised sit in chairs at The Wicket to have their heads shaved publicly.
- Men, women, and children all participate, making it an inclusive event.
- Hair donation is part of the event, with participants donating shorn locks to wig-making charities.
- Childhood cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment are celebrated.
- The Brasserie Restaurant provides the hospitality backdrop, turning the evening into a full community gathering.
The emotional arc of the evening builds with each shave, creating a profound community experience.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation: Where the Money Goes
Funding Research, Saving Lives
Hannah's Heroes Big Shave raises funds for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest non-governmental funder of childhood cancer research grants. Understanding where the money goes is crucial for donors and participants.
St. Baldrick's funds scientists and medical researchers working on childhood cancers, a critically underfunded area. Since 1999, it has funded over $400 million in research grants. Hannah's Heroes' nearly $3 million contribution from a small island community is an extraordinary achievement.
The Hero Fund in Hannah's name allows global donors to contribute directly, extending the event's reach beyond the Cayman Islands.
How to Participate: Shaving, Donating, and Showing Up
Be Part of the Change
There are three ways to be part of the Hannah's Heroes Big Shave in 2026:
Register to Shave
Participants can register at stbaldricks.org/events/hannahsheroes to join the shaving lineup. Registration involves setting a personal fundraising goal, creating a fundraising page, and committing to having your head shaved publicly. There's no minimum fundraising requirement, but ambitious targets are encouraged.
Donate to a Participant
Support the event by donating to a registered participant's page on stbaldricks.org. Every donation supports St. Baldrick's childhood cancer research grants.
Come and Watch
The event is open to all spectators. The presence of a large, vocal crowd transforms the individual head shaves into a collective ceremony.
Cricket Square: The Venue That Fits the Event
A Perfect Setting for Community Gathering
Cricket Square in George Town is an established office and hospitality precinct. The grounds provide the open-air space needed for the crowd, while The Wicket offers a natural hospitality anchor.
The Brasserie, a flagship restaurant, has been a venue partner, enhancing the event's character as both a community ceremony and social gathering.
Located centrally, Cricket Square is easily accessible for visitors and locals alike, making spontaneous participation possible.
The 2026 Date: What We Know
Anticipating the Next Gathering
The specific September 2026 date for Hannah's Heroes Big Shave has not been announced yet. Historically, it occurs in the last week of September, with a Friday evening format. The most likely dates are Friday, September 25 or 26, 2026.
Follow these channels for the official announcement:
- Instagram: @hannahsheroescayman
- Email: team@hannahsheroes.ky
- St. Baldrick's event page: stbaldricks.org/events/hannahsheroes
- Facebook: St Baldrick's Hannah's Heroes, George Town
Anyone planning a trip to Grand Cayman in September 2026 should follow these channels for updates.
Nearly Three Million Reasons to Show Up
The Impact of Collective Action
The nearly $3 million raised by Hannah's Heroes across eleven events funds critical research in childhood leukemia, brain tumors, and rare pediatric cancers. Sitting in the chair at Cricket Square or donating from afar contributes to a significant pool of research funding.
This context makes Hannah's Heroes Big Shave more than a fundraising event. It exemplifies a community's decision that love is not passive.
Practical Information for 2026
- Event Name: Hannah's Heroes Big Shave
- Venue: The Wicket at Cricket Square, George Town, Grand Cayman
- Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Expected 2026 Date: Late September 2026, exact date TBC (follow @hannahsheroescayman for announcement)
- Register to Shave: stbaldricks.org/events/hannahsheroes
- Donate: stbaldricks.org/hero-funds/hannahsheroes
- Contact: team@hannahsheroes.ky
- Instagram: @hannahsheroescayman
- Facebook: St Baldrick's Hannah's Heroes
- Total Raised to Date: Nearly $3 million for St. Baldrick's Foundation
- Current Edition: 11th annual Big Shave
- Admission: Free to attend as a spectator
- Nearest Airport: Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), approximately 10 to 15 minutes from Cricket Square, George Town
Frequently Asked Questions
The Things People Always Want to Know
When is Hannah's Heroes Big Shave 2026?
The exact September 2026 date has not yet been formally announced. Based on eleven years of consistent late-September Friday evening scheduling, the most likely date is late September 2026, with the format running 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Wicket, Cricket Square. Follow @hannahsheroescayman on Instagram or contact team@hannahsheroes.ky for the confirmed date.
What is Hannah's Heroes Big Shave?
It is an annual childhood cancer awareness and fundraising event in Grand Cayman where participants publicly shave their heads in solidarity with children fighting cancer, raising funds for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, the world's largest non-governmental funder of childhood cancer research grants.
How much has Hannah's Heroes raised?
Nearly $3 million for St. Baldrick's childhood cancer research, raised across eleven years of Big Shave events in Grand Cayman.
How do I register to shave my head at Hannah's Heroes 2026?
Register at stbaldricks.org/events/hannahsheroes, set your fundraising goal, and show up at Cricket Square on the event date.
Can I donate without attending?
Yes. Donate directly through the Hannah's Heroes Hero Fund page at stbaldricks.org/hero-funds/hannahsheroes or through any registered participant's individual fundraising page.
Is the event free to attend as a spectator?
Yes. Spectators are welcome and encouraged. The crowd energy is a critical part of what makes the event meaningful for participants who are shaving.
Verified Information at a Glance
- Event Name: Hannah's Heroes Big Shave
- Category: Fundraising Event
- History: 11th annual event
- Dates: Late September 2026, exact date TBC
- Duration: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Venue: The Wicket at Cricket Square, George Town, Grand Cayman
- Attendance: Open to all spectators
- Recognition: Nearly $3 million raised for St. Baldrick's Foundation
- Age Policy: Inclusive of all ages
- Tickets: Free to attend as a spectator
- Amenities: Hospitality provided by The Brasserie
- Nearest Airport: Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM)
- Official Website: stbaldricks.org/events/hannahsheroes
- Social Media: Instagram @hannahsheroescayman, Facebook St Baldrick's Hannah's Heroes
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