Arcadia firefighters raise funds to help fight pediatric cancer
Arcadia firefighters hosted an annual event last week to help fund research for the treatment of — and hopefully eventual cures for — children afflicted with cancer
For more than two decades, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation has organized the head-shaving fundraising drive that supports children battling cancer. According to the organization’s website, Thursday was the 23rd Foothills Event at Matt Denny’s restaurant.
Members of the Arcadia Fire Department volunteered to shave their heads in solidarity with children undergoing cancer treatment.
“Our Arcadia firefighters have been involved with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for over 15 years,” Arcadia Fire Chief Chen Suen told Arcadia Weekly. “We were excited to hear the event come back after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Suen noted the bravery of children battling cancer.
“Each day, our firefighters put their lives on the line to save and help Arcadians and those who pass through our great city each day. Many call us heroes,” Suen said. “As brave as our firefighters are, our personal heroes are the kids who valiantly take on cancer every day. To partner with such an amazing organization such as St. Baldrick’s is an honor.”
This year the event raised more than $1,900 in donations from friends, family and the Arcadia Firefighters Association, according to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and a statement released by the city.
As of Tuesday, the 23rd Foothills St. Baldrick’s Event at Matt Denny’s raised $29,199, approaching its $30,000 goal.
Donations are still accepted by phone, 888-899-2253, or online at https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/126/2024/donors.