In a world often characterized by self-interest and personal gain, there are moments that serve as powerful reminders of the inherent goodness and compassion that unite humanity. The LAFD/LAPD St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser is one such occasion where first responders and the public come together to make a difference in the lives of children fighting a formidable adversary – cancer.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a non-profit organization, has dedicated itself to eradicating childhood cancer. The name “St. Baldrick’s” is a portmanteau of “St. Patrick’s,” the patron saint of Ireland known for his iconic shaved head, and “bald,” which alludes to the main attraction of the event – shaving participants’ heads to show solidarity with children who often lose their hair due to cancer treatments. This act of hair sacrifice symbolizes unity with young cancer patients and raises awareness about the urgent need for research and funding to combat pediatric cancers.
At the heart of the St. Baldrick’s events are the participants who selflessly decide to shed their locks in the name of charity. Volunteers, known as “shavees,” enlist sponsors who pledge donations in support of their brave act. These shavees range from individuals from all walks of life – firefighters, police officers, doctors, students, professionals, parents, and even cancer survivors themselves – all joining hands to make a significant impact. What started as a small event has now grown into a global movement, with thousands of head-shaving events taking place annually in numerous countries.
On August 5, 2023, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), City Council, and even a few Stormtroopers gathered in Porter Ranch, California, along with scores of caring community members to participate in the 21st Annual Fundraiser. LAFD Fire Chief Kristen Crowley and LAPD Police Chief Michael Moore also attended the fundraiser at The Vineyards in Porter Ranch to help conquer children’s cancer. Both members shared in the cause, joining in on shaving heads of participants who fundraised selflessly for a noble purpose. City Council District 12 was well represented at the event, as Councilmember John Lee sponsored the fundraiser with instrumental support, and also offered kind words and praise for the participants.
Protection for the event may have been LAPD’s responsibility, but it was augmented with the combined efforts of the Dark Side Riders and 501st Legion of Stormtroopers who future-proofed it. Adorned in their ballistic white armor with accompanying Star Wars characters, they proudly patrolled the area, proving the future does have hope.
Co-Organizers LAFD Captain Danny Wu and LAPD Detective Nick Sinclair ensured all things went off as planned and showed solidarity with the cause. They were supported by hardworking cadets from LAFD Posts 81, 87, and 106’s—with additional help from the Civil Air Patrol Cadets and Young Marines. During the event the co-hosts expressed gratitude to the many sponsors who made the fundraiser a success, including:
• Gus’s BBQ for providing the free pancake and sausage breakfast
• Peets Coffee for brewing fresh coffee throughout the event
• Kelly Khoury of KENK USA for donating drinks, snacks, and toys for the kids
• Vitalant/Northridge Hospital/Be the Match/One Legacy for hosting the blood drive and bone marrow registration
• LAFD Recruitment for promoting the LAFD and firefighter career to youth
• LAFD Bandwagon, Light Force 87, and Drill Tower 81 for providing fire apparatus
• LAPD Command, SWAT, Motors, and Bomb Squad for representing PD with vehicles
• Longplay for their band’s live music
• DJ and Firefighter Greg Balandran for mixing entertaining tunes
• Betsy Quezada for awesome facepainting skills, and Laura Lichter for offering professional photography of the event
• Magic Castle magicians for their captivating performances
• Dark Side Riders and the 501st Legion for entertaining the crowd with their wonderful costumes
• Rotary Club of Granada Hills, Community Police Advisory Board, Firefighters First Credit Union, Shepherd Church, City Employees Club, LAFRA, UFLAC, and the Los Angeles Protective League for their support
We hope you will consider participating next year. Events like this create a sense of community, where participants and supporters come together with a shared goal. The goal here is simple – to give children a fighting chance against cancer. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, the St. Baldrick’s Charity Event stands as a testament to the profound impact collective action can have. So, the next time you see a group of people willingly parting with their hair, remember the cause they champion – the cause of hope, healing, and a future free from childhood cancer.
By Danny Wu