SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — When Bailey Johnson was 9 months old, the doctors said he wouldn't live through night.

“They told me not to plan his first birthday,” said Kelly Johnson, Bailey's mother.

Bailey was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that starts in certain types of primitive nerve cells in an embryo or fetus.

Bailey made it to his first birthday, then reached several more. By March 11, 2010, Bailey was a four-time cancer survivor and celebrated his 11th birthday. He now plays ice hockey for the Tahoe Grizzlies with his younger brother, Cameron. He has been cancer free for six years.

“Every day is a gift and we're fortunate that we still have what we have,” Kelly Johnson said.

Now, the Johnson family is focused on giving back to the community and other children who have cancer.

For the fourth year in a row, Bailey and his family have raised funds for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, an international foundation that raises money for childhood cancer research and awareness. The family travels to the Coconut Bowl in Sparks each St. Patrick's Day for the St. Baldrick's fundraising event, where participants gather pledges and have their heads shaved.

This year, his team “Bailey's Hope” raised more than $2,000.

Bailey and his brother Cameron, age 9, both let their hair get a bit shaggy for the event.

“I'm excited,” Bailey said.

The staff and students at Tahoe Valley Elementary School, where Bailey attends fifth grade, have also rallied around the cause. Bailey's physical education teacher, Seth Martin, even committed to shaving his own head on St. Patrick's Day in front of the students.

“Last year we had a fifth grader pass away (from cancer),” Martin said. “I've had Bailey since second grade. Cancer is one of those things; there's no way to have it not touch your life.”

Bailey served as the emcee as Martin took to cafeteria stage Wednesday. Denise Wilson, an instructional aid at Tahoe Valley for 21 years, wielded the electric clippers. Wilson has had stage 4 breast cancer for more than three years. She recently grew her hair back following treatment, and said it's symbolic for her to shave Martin's head and support Bailey's team.

“They have been a great inspiration to me, too,” Wilson said. “He's totally cancer free, which I hope someday I will be.”

To support Bailey's Hope and the St. Baldrick's Foundation, visit www.st

baldricks.org.