More children are lost to cancer in the U.S. than any other disease – actually, more than many other childhood diseases all combined. In the U.S. before they turn 20, about 1 in 264 children in the U.S. will have cancer. At Saturday’s St. Baldrick’s Kissimmee Police and Fire Rock the Bald event, the Osceola County community came together once again united in one purpose, to conquer childhood cancer!
Downtown Kissimmee’s Dakin Avenue was filled with volunteers willing to be shaved, those making financial donations, spectators, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and families who have unfortunately experienced childhood cancer. The event raised over $21,000 this year to help battle childhood cancer – exceeding its $18,000 goal, and it happened with a spirit of unity, joy, and definitely some laughter!
The name St. Baldrick’s is a cross between “bald” and St. Patrick’s, and in Osceola, the Kissimmee Police Department, Kissimmee Fire Department and Osceola County Fire Rescue get involved, taking donations to see officers, community leaders and others get their heads shaved. KPD gets its inspiration from a young girl named Leila, who fought childhood cancer and is a real-life miracle. She was joined on stage this year by a young man named Bryson, another local childhood cancer victim who fought off the disease and now stands with his family healthy, happy, and smiling. These are just two amazing young people who have been touched by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and by the shave fest in Kissimmee that works to be part of the cure.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is volunteer-powered and funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government with 100 percent of the proceeds from the event going toward the mission of conquering childhood cancer.
To make a donation just go to the St. Baldrick’s Website and you’ll be sent to the local “Rock the Bald” event.
