W. Chicago Fraternal Order to get shaved for St. Baldrick's March 20

Big hearts and bald heads will be rallying for a worthy cause at the third annual St. Baldrick's event in West Chicago from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 20 at Prairie Landing Golf Club, 2325 Longest Drive in West Chicago.

Hosted by the West Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 85, over two dozen people have signed up to raise funds for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a volunteer-driven charitable organization dedicated to childhood cancer research, by shaving their heads.

According to a statement on the official St. Baldrick's website, “Each year, 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer worldwide. Cancer is the number one disease killer of children in the U.S. and Canada. Research saves lives.”

This year, the West Chicago team is sponsoring Megan H., a young lady who grew up with the wife of one of the police officers. Megan is dealing with Wilms or other kidney-related tumor.

The team is viewing participation in the event as an opportunity to be a hero for kids with cancer. Whether someone decides to shave their head, volunteer or donate, their involvement is a show of solidarity and hope to those infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers. Last year the team raised over $19,000, and this year they have set the goal at $20,000.

Among those participating are Officers Marty Griffin, Joe Stewart, Rick Sauseda, Robb Kowalik, Robbi Peterson, Greg Bowers, Dan Herbert, Jeff Moos, and Justin Wienrank. Additionally, several member of the West Chicago Fire Protection District will join in the event, and the Winfield Police is sending a team.

Plus, another team, Clippin' for a Cause, organized by two of the barbers from last year, will be involved.

The buzz at a St. Baldrick's event is like none other. There is so much positive energy in the room, inspiring participants who come to show support. The team is hoping that the general public will come out to be a part of it all, and help it achieve its goal for the kids. A raffle of assorted prizes will be part of the excitement, as well as an auction of a weeklong stay in a condo in Hawaii.

Donations or pledges to the West Chicago FOP Lodge 85 team may be made at the event or in advance by visiting www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/eventid/4468/eventyear/2011 or by contacting the Foundation at (888) 899-BALD.