BUFFALO, N.Y. (January 15, 2016) — The Buffalo Sabres today announced three current players and one alumnus will shave their heads on Saturday, Feb. 20 as part of the Bald for Bucks program, which raises money for Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Current Sabres Mike Weber, Mark Pysyk and Robin Lehner, as well as Sabres alumnus Marty Biron, will be fundraising throughout the next month and their efforts will culminate in a group shave performed by their Sabres teammates. Cancer patients and Sabres fans will be in the audience at First Niagara Center to watch the event.
To donate or for more information about the program please go to sabres.com/baldforbucks. All fans who donate $25 or more will receive an exclusive Buffalo Sabres Bald for Bucks T-shirt.
“We are very proud to support Roswell Park’s Bald for Bucks program again this year,” said Sabres defenseman Mike Weber. “It’s a fun way for us to show our support for those who are battling cancer and to hopefully inspire others to follow our lead by signing-up to join the fight.”
The Buffalo Sabres and their players are proud supporters of the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. Monies raised by this event will accelerate the start of new promising research projects, and will also support programs that assist patients during their cancer journey.
“The Buffalo Sabres are an incredible partner in Roswell Park’s fight against cancer and support us throughout the year in so many ways, and now, these four outstanding players are truly going above and beyond for our patients by Goin’ Bald for Bucks,” said Candace Johnson, President and CEO, Roswell Park. “The money they raise is critically needed, and will fund cutting-edge cancer research and compassionate patient-care programs right here in Buffalo. But, just as importantly, the players’ bald heads will serve as a visual reminder that they stand in solidarity with all those who are battling. We are so appreciative of their efforts!”
Bald for Bucks began in 2002 when Western New Yorker Cathleen George was being treated for cancer. Her brother, Tony, promised his sister that he would shave his head with her and remain bald until her hair grew back. Tony, a teacher at Lake Shore High School, brought this idea to his students and many offered to help. One student suggested they raise money and then do the shaving, and a fundraiser was born. In the years since the program was founded, thousands of participants across Western New York have joined forces to raise over $4 million to help find cures and save lives.
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The mission of Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) is to understand, prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1898, RPCI is one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. The Institute is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email [email protected]. Follow Roswell Park on Facebook and Twitter.
