Chicago's First Responders Shave In Solidarity
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Jessica Evans holds in her hands what used to be her long brown hair.
"Ahh, it's new. This is my hair in both hands about a foot of it in each hand."
As a Chicago Fire department candidate, she and her colleagues shaved in solidarity all in the name of the St. Baldrick's Foundation.
"This is not about me, it's about the kids. It's the right thing to do," said Evans.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation Spokesperson Heather Kash says each year, more and more people raise money by going bald.
"Yes, it's becoming more and more accepted something that they are doing because it's so important," said Kash.
Last year, Chicago St. Baldrick's raised more than $4 million. This year they are already more than half way to that goal.
"I've been doing this since 2007," said Chicago Fire Department Lt. Kelly Burns.
"Such a bigger picture than this. You see the people affected, it's overwhelming. It's a cause that's near and dear to our heart."
The Chicago and Fire Departments presented St. Baldrick's a $100,000 check.
Last year, the Chicago chapter raised $4.5 million for childhood cancer research.
This year, they are already more than half way toward that goal.
St. Baldrick's is the largest funder of childhood cancer research outside of the United States Government.