Brothers Raise Almost $200K For St. Baldrick's

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Shedding your hair in solidarity with young cancer patients is the central feature of St. Baldrick's Day, but two Bridgeport brothers have produced donations for the cause that would put a professional fund raiser to shame.

CBS 2's Derrick Blakley caught up with the brothers at Mt. Carmel High School.

This year at Mt. Carmel High School, more than 60 students shaved their heads to raise cash for childhood cancer research.

But the big buzz this year, is about Mt. Carmel junior Michael Melchiorre and his freshman brother, Rudy.

The Melchiorre team raised $199,000 for cancer research

"I'm just lucky to have a huge support group of family and friends," said Michael Melchiorre.

Melchiorre and his brother are inspired by cancer victims they knew, including a great uncle who died of the disease.

"We really wanted to honor his life by donating all the money we could to help kids get through the hardship of what they're going through now," said Rudy.

With Mt. Carmel's student body involved, more than 500 people contributed this year.

"It's crazy, insane to think that many people donate," said Michael.

Of course, both Michael and Rudy willingly went bald.

Michael Melchiorre's been fund raising for St. Baldrick's since 8th grade, making this his fourth year. His brother Rudy, joined in this year.

In that time Melchiorre has raised more than $500,000 for childhood cancer research.