Kids & Family
State Sen. Hwang to Shave His Head for Pediatric Cancer Research
State Sen.Tony Hwang will be among the "shavees" to raise money for pediatric cancer research at the annual St. Baldrick's Team Teddy event.
FAIRFIELD, CT — (Contributed press release): At 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 16, State Senator Tony Hwang will join dozens of other “shavees” who will be going bald to raise money for pediatric cancer research at the annual St. Baldrick’s “Team Teddy” event held at Osborn Hill School (OHS) at 760 Stillson Road in Fairfield.
This is the 9th annual Team Teddy event, and the 12th overall St. Baldrick’s event at OHS.
Originally organized by the local Cub Scouts, this event took on special significance when OHS third grader Teddy Gerber was diagnosed with sarcoma in November 2009. Pack leader Tim Kery offered to hold the 2010 event in Teddy’s honor, resulting in an incredible show of community support. Teddy, who had lost his hair from chemotherapy, was surrounded by newly-bald friends and family who looked just like him. Teddy’s cancer was rare and aggressive and did not respond to available treatments. He passed away in August 2010 at the age of nine. Since then, the annual Team Teddy event has raised more than $940,000.
Sen. Hwang attends and supports Team Teddy each year, as well as other St. Baldrick’s events in Connecticut, but never took the plunge as a shavee…until this year.
On Friday night, he will go under the clippers to show solidarity with children and families who have fought and continue to fight cancer every day.
Sen. Hwang looks forward to sporting a new hairstyle that will spur conversations that will raise awareness of the lack of funding for pediatric cancer research. To support this cause, please go to his web page to donate online (https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/962375/2018).
As Sen. Hwang says in his St. Baldrick’s write-up : “BE KIND! As we experience the emotions of recent tragedies in our country, I am channeling my energy and making a commitment to support and empower our community. I am working to raise awareness in defeating childhood cancer. So here goes: I'm shaving my head to raise money for childhood cancer research and honored to be a member of "Team Teddy"! Now I need your help! Will you make a donation? Every dollar makes a difference for the thousands of infants, children, teens, and young adults fighting childhood cancers. Let's work together to make a positive difference in our communities. Join me!”
Image Via Sen. Hwang
