On Sunday, April 14, 2019, Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company hosted the third annual Go Bald with St. Baldricks, a community event organized to help raise money to support childhood cancer research.

The event as a whole raised close to $30,000!! Team Po-Mar-Lin raised $2,683 - more than doubling their goal of $1,000!

Fire Chief and celebrity barber, Jason Griffith shaved hair for 3.5 hours.

Griffith reflected on the event, “I chose to get my haircut because I realize how lucky I am to have a healthy 10 year old and understand that not all families are as lucky as I am. Being the host for the event was great. I think it showed that we care about our community and it’s always nice to welcome the community into our building to see our members and our apparatus. Since I am a barber as well as fire chief I think it was a really unique opportunity for myself and the St. Baldrick's organization.”

Captain Bobby Abel, who blew past his goal of $350 and raised almost $600, said, “Cancer sucks!” He continued, “I’m always happy to support this community and our neighbors, even if that means shave my head.”

Firefighter Eric Hecksher shaved his head too. “Hearing from people who have been directly impacted by this horrible disease was extremely moving and I was very impressed with how the community pulled together for this event.”

The fundraiser hit close to home for some team members.

Lieutenant 36 A, Ryan Large, said, “First of all cancer sucks but it especially sucks when you are a kid. It was important to me to participate in the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser for childhood cancer by shaving my head because childhood cancer has had a direct impact on my family. My cousin was diagnosed with cancer when he was just 16 years old. After battling through to remission it came back a year later and he is battling it again right now. Raising money to fight this devastating disease is the least I can do to help kids and families in some small way. We all need to look out for each other in this world!”

Thank you to all the members, volunteers, neighbors, and supporters of both Po-Mar-Lin and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation (both behind the scenes and on the front lines) who came out to raise money to find a cure for this terrible disease. Without you, this event would not have been possible.

Most of all, thank you to the families of Declan Roberts, Tommy Roberts, Kieran Walsh, and Olivia Crane who found incredible strength to share their stories. We stand with you in the fight against childhood cancer.