March 6, 2010

Statistics show a child is diagnosed with cancer every 3 1/2 minutes. So, Saturday, the community joined together to help find a cure, simply by getting a hair cut. More than 50 people chose to participate for a common purpose, but for different reasons. Some people did it for a family member.

"Love you grandma," said Jennifer Krehbiel, whose grandmother is battling cancer.

Others chose to give their hair in order to give something back.

"I've had so many people doing things for me already that it's just a great opportunity to pay it forward," said Nicki Janne.

The cause hits close to home for Nicki and Rick Janne. Nicki was just diagnosed with breast cancer herself.

"Just supporting my wife through her cancer fight," said Rick Janne.

As Nicki fights her own battle, she's also helping fight the war against cancer, with her friends and family by her side.

"You're so full of love, you're just about ready to burst. There's so much love and support," said Nicki.

Nicki was just one of dozens of people making a choice to fight cancer, for those who don't have the option.

"At least I have a choice, they don't have a choice to fight this," said Krehbiel.

Wichita firefighters organized the effort. Participants raised money in exchange for shaving their heads. The money goes to benefit St. Baldrick's, which helps fund cancer research for children.

"The thing that really touches us is children. It always bothers us when something bad happens to a child," said Wichita firefighter and event organizer Bobby Wolfe.

So, firefighters joined the community in helping children battle cancer, by sending money, support, and a little bit of humor as they watched their friends shave their heads.

"Some of them look bad, some of them look pretty good, depends upon what their head shape is," said Wolfe.

Last year was the first year for the event. Participants raised over $9,000. This year, the event had already raised over $12,000 before it even started.