A tradition 17 years in the making continued at Napper Tandy's in Northport Saturday, where patrons donated their hair and money toward the fight against cancer.

The 230 St. Baldrick's Foundation participants had their hair shaved off in solidarity with pediatric cancer patients in treatment.

This year, 8-year-old Kathren Mellon took on the challenge in honor of her father, Pat Mellon, who was diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma – a form of skin cancer – in 2016.

"My dad had cancer. I really didn't like it and I don't want anyone to go through that ever," says Kethren Mellon.

Pat Mellon says his daughter saved his life.

“She's the reason I went through it…I knew it was going to be over one day, I knew I had to be strong for her," he told News 12.

Organizers say the event is about making sure kids fighting cancer are aware that a whole community is behind them.

The event raised more than $122,000, which will go toward research for a cancer cure.