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Support cancer research
at St. Baldrick's event

by CHRIS GRAY
Observer Staff Writer

      Residents are asked to support childhood cancer research by leaving downtown Romeo with bald heads and content givers.
       The village-wide 2010 St. Baldrick's fundraiser, scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 13, will feature activities, shaved noggins, live bands and more to help raise $100,000 for childhood cancer research.
       Mike Fiscus, the event's coordinator, said the fundraiser has grown significantly in the past week alone, with volunteers pouring in and more businesses electing to help and set up shop downtown.
       "Everything is pretty much set," he said. "We just want to see large crowds."
       The 2010 fundraiser has nearly surpassed the 2009 event's initial $30,000 goal, and the event itself has yet to take place. As of Friday, $28,549 has been collected of the $100,000 goal.
       "That is twice of what we were at last year at this time," said Fiscus.
       He said he isn't surprised by all the support, as it is a good cause to get behind. He said around 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer, with one dying every four hours.
       "Less than 3 percent of all cancer research funding goes to childhood-specific research, which boggles my mind," he said.
       St. Baldrick's is the largest volunteer-driven charity to donate toward childhood cancer research. Volunteers have been collecting donations from friends and families and will have their heads shaved at the event as a sign of solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatments.
       Around 94 shavees have been registered, with more on the way. Fiscus said it is important for people who want to have their heads shaved to pre-register, as this will allow them to have a designated shaving time.
       Shaving will begin 3:30 p.m. at the Lions Field. Becoming bald is not required, said Fiscus, and even a simple donation of $5 or $10 is appreciated.
       "You don't have to get shaved, but you definitely have to come down and watch people get shaved," he said. "We've got lots of stuff going on downtown."
       Along with more volunteers and more shavees, the amount of activities and raffle prizes has grown as well, with more than $4,000 in prizes to try and win. Notable prizes include the two-day use of a 2010 Chevy Camaro and a Detroit Pistons suite for 20 people.
       Fiscus said there will be plenty of giveaway prizes as well.
       "Every kid that comes through town is going to get something," he said.
       Activities include live bands, face painters, kids games and crafts. For a schedule of events and more information, go to www.stbaldricks.org

» What's Happening

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Coming up
around town:

Romeo to Richmond race
benefits food pantries

Bulldogs, Stallions tackle
cancer with Watchdog