Saint Baldricks

So on March 8, my department (OWL VFD) hosted a Saint Baldrick's event. It was participated with many other departments in our area, from Dale City, Dumfries, and even a DC department. Some of you who have not heard of Saint Baldrick's, it is an organization that raises money and awareness for kids with cancer as well as cancer research with kids. As their website says "St. Baldrick’s is home of the head-shaving event. It’s an easy and fun way to raise money for a very serious cause—like a walk athon, but without the blisters. "

I have a video to help you get another idea of what exactly Saint Baldrick's does.

My department has sponsored having a Saint Baldricks event for about 8 years. My department started participating in the event, because one of our department member couples, baby Zach was born with having a brain and Spinal Cord tumor. At just a baby this family had to deal with their new born having cancer. Now this is a nightmare to all new parents, hearing that your baby has cancer. Zach is now 19 years old; he was left with many obstacles like having one side of his body weaker than the other as well as a few other things. Zach was able to overcome all of this and is now a Fireman. He has had troubles and has overcome so much. Zach and his family are not only part of our OWL VFD family; he is also going to JMU now. Both his parents are life members in the department meaning they have been with our department for more than 18 years; they still actively participate with in the department and are the nicest people. Below is a Pic of Zach,

We also sponsor some other little boys. Now for my department we try to make it fun and like a party when we are fundraising. There is a live band that plays Irish music and since it is close to Saint Patrick's Day we have it Saint patty's theme. We wear green; have lots of food and drinks there. We usually have an auction going to help raise money. We auction many different things like autograph baseballs to customized mail boxes.  We also sell t-shirts and sweaters and we cut are hair. Typically Girls will not always shave but they will cut their hair. Guys will shave though and we also donate hair if it is long enough and follows the rules for donating. Like non-colored, not layered, and more than a certain length.

My department has not released how much we raised yet, but when I left we were already over $30,000 for children cancer research.

The Childhood Cancer Ripple Effect. The Childhood Cancer Ripple Effect. Saint Baldrick's, 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 18 Mar. 2013.