BLACKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Tech baseball program members, in association with St. Baldrick’s Foundation and “46 Mommas Shave for the Brave”, will all shave their heads in support of childhood cancer research tonight, October 8. This is the third year the Hokies will hold their "Shave for the Brave" in conjunction with their 19 Ways program. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will now take place in the Virginia Tech Baseball Development Center.

In addition, they will donate a check to Melina Brown, who is raising money for cancer research. Brown’s son Levi – an adopted member of the Tech baseball team – was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a highly malignant primary brain tumor, when he was four. Now 12, he is cancer free, but everyday 46 mothers in the United States are told their child has cancer, so the fight never ends.

HokieBall is highly encouraging the public to get involved with this initiative, by either participating in the event or by making a monetary donation to the cause. Last year, the Hokies presented a check to Brown for $5,000, but they've set a loftier goal this year. The current total is well over its target goal of $25,000 and is approaching $30,000.

Donations can be made to “46 Mommas Shave for the Brave” and mailed to the Virginia Tech baseball office at 210 Cassel Coliseum, Blacksburg, VA 24060 or they can be directly donated online at Virginia Tech baseball's group donation page. After navigating to the site, click on "Shavees" (on the right side of the page) and then "Donate" through your favorite Hokie.

This will be the eighth event during the 2012-13 academic year for 19 Ways - the baseball team's initiative to find 19 ways to make a difference in the community. For more information on the team’s 19 Ways program, please visit the Facebook page or contact Nick Beauchamp at nbeach07@vt.edu.