Marlborough Assistant Principal Shaves Head After Students Raise Money For Dana-Farber

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Rick Lacina made a promise to the fifth graders at his school. As the assistant principal at Whitcomb Middle School, Lacina told them that if the students helped him raise $500 for Dana-Farber, he'd shave his head.

They raised the money, so in front of the entire fifth grade, several students, along with Assistant Principal Wayne Labbe, shaved Lacina’s head.

Lacina's 10-year-old twin boys, Colby and Cooper, held a banner to congratulate their dad. To date, he's raised nearly $8,000 with $500 of that raised by Whitcomb students.

Lacina, who is training to run his first marathon this April at the 121st Boston Marathon, has been deeply moved by friends and family members who have been affected by cancer, said the announcement.

“Over the last couple years, many of our staff members have been affected by cancer, including some staff members’ young children,” Lacina said in a statement. “Last year, one co-worker, diagnosed with cancer, passed away. Another colleague took a leave of absence, and he’s now receiving treatment at Dana-Farber. And another colleague’s son was at Dana-Farber this year and is in remission.”

A member of the 2017 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team (DFMC), the largest charity group in the Boston Marathon, Lacina shared that the team’s goal is to raise $5 million dollars. As Lacina stressed, “The ultimate finish line is a world without cancer. I’m inspired to be part of this important cause and thank all who are supporting me towards this goal.”

Those who wish to support Rick Lacina to achieve the ultimate finish line and eradicate cancer may donate to DFMC in Lacina’s name.

There are 13 residents from Marlborough running the 2017 Boston Marathon. Want to share your story? Email charlene.arsenault@patch.com.

Photos courtesy Marlborough public schools