Binghamton Fire Department Goes Bald for Cancer Research

3/16/2013 (Updated 11:01:52 PM)

BINGHAMTON -- Local fire fighters are fighting childhood cancer by going bald.

It's all part of the Binghamton Fire Department's effort to raise money for St. Baldrick's Foundation-- which supports childhood cancer research.

"It's unfortunate that cancer exists, especially with children.  They're so innocent," said Heather Pancoast, wife of a Binghamton firefighter.

Organizers say over 13,500 kids are diagnosed with cancer every year in the United States. But with events like this, they hope to change that.

"This is what they need.  They need this kind of help.  The research is what's going to help," said Chris Mallery of the Binghamton Fire Department.

Mallery says several members of the Binghamton Fire Department have had children affected by cancer. And they have worked for months to raise money for today's event. So what does going bald symbolize?

"Stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something that's definitely not ordinary," said Mallery.

And so far, the fire department has raised over $3000.

"It makes me feel very proud," said Mallery.

The Binghamton Fire Department is still accepting donations until Monday. If you'd like to help out, you can visit StBaldricks.org.

Samantha McDonald, Fox 40 HD News.

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