Local Responders And Everyday Heroes Come To The Rescue In Fight Against Childhood Cancers In “Brave The Shave”
WHO: Orange County Fire Rescue and the Orlando Fire Department, led by Orlando Fire Department Engineer Jon Clayton and Orange County Fire Rescue Engineer Steve Kibler, who lost his five-month old son Camden Kibler (pictured above) to cancer in 2008. Camden only lived 160 days, but he leaves a positive, lasting legacy.
WHAT: In its ninth collective year, Central Florida’s St. Baldrick’s Foundation signature event, nicknamed “Johnny’s BIG Shave,” encourages individuals to shave their heads in solidarity with children diagnosed with cancer and raise money for pediatric cancer research. All ages can participate in the “Brave the Shave” event, with parental consent for those under 18 years of age. The annual event has raised more than $100,000 combined. Representatives will also be on-hand to accept donations for Locks of Love.
“St. Baldrick’s has become a highly-anticipated tradition throughout Orange County Fire Rescue and we are honored to support it again this year,” said Orange County Fire Rescue Chief Otto Drozd III.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers. Seminole County Fire Rescue Department and teams of responders and caring citizens are also partnering for the annual event.
The family-friendly event features a DJ, petting-zoo, face-painting, balloon animals, raffles and games.
WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 2018 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
SUGGESTED MEDIA AVAIL: 2 p.m. – Opening remarks from OCFR Engineer Kibler
WHERE: Johnny’s Fillin’ Station | 2631 South Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, FL 32806
Steve’s Story: “We lost our child to cancer in 2008,” said Orange County Fire Rescue Engineer Steve Kibler. “During that incredibly painful time, the overwhelming support that we received was unmeasurable.” The response from others, especially first responders, is what has motivated Kibler and his family to turn something so devastating into something positive – and help other families. “When we first started, I was just overwhelmed that someone would stop and participate, let alone make a donation – I can’t believe that more than $100,000 has been raised over the years,” said Kibler, whose eyes’ fill just speaking of what the event means to him.
For more information, sign up pre-event, or contribute in Camden’s name: https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/JohnnysFillinStation/teams#content.
Find them on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2035823879966274/
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.