Local Firefighters Shave the Way for a Cure at St. Baldrick’s Event...

SUNSET HILLS, MO. - A team of local firefighters helped shave the way towards a cure for childhood cancer by shaving their heads at The 7^th Annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation Event held on March 6, 2010 at Helen Fitzgerald’s Irish Pub.  The team called Firefighters for a Cure consisted of 10 volunteers, including 5 Mehlville firefighters from the IAFF Local 1889.  The team raised over $7,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Established in 2000, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation began as a fundraiser with participants shaving their heads for childhood cancer research and awareness.  The St. Baldrick’s events are currently the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising program for childhood cancer research.  In its 7^th year at Helen Fitzgerald’s, the event on March 6 raised over $223,000 for the foundation. 

 “Participating in St. Baldrick’s is a humbling experience,” says Captain Kevin Reis of IAFF Local 1889.   “These kids are braver and tougher than we are. They are the true heroes of the event.” 

Firefighter Tim Geiss also shaved his head in the St. Baldrick’s event, but this was not the first time Geiss has been bald.  As a childhood survivor of Stage IV Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a deadly form of cancer, Geiss understands first-hand the fight these children endure.

“One of the many obstacles cancer patients can face in treatment is losing their hair, which is particularly difficult for children,” says Geiss.  “I won my battle against cancer 20 years ago, and now it’s my turn to help these children fight theirs.”

The Firefighters for a Cure team has a special inspiration to keep them motivated in the fight against cancer.  Challia Benae Reed is a local 7 year old girl currently battling brain cancer.  Challia has been fighting cancer since she was 4 years old.  She attended the event at Helen Fitzgerald’s and proudly shaved the head of Captain Kevin Reis.  

Mehlville firefighters from IAFF Local 1889 are hosting The 3^rd Annual Benefit Dance & Silent Auction for Challia Reed on April 3, 2010 at Andre’s West in Fenton.  The fundraiser will feature a buffet-style dinner, open bar, silent auction and music by The Fabulous Motown Revue.  Tickets are available for purchase by calling 314-575-3055.  All proceeds benefit Challia Benae Reed.