The Loveland Police Officers' Association is partnering with CancerFree KIDS for No Shave November, a month-Iong program in which participants forgo shaving to raise cancer awareness.
For a donation to CancerFree KIDS, officers will enjoy relaxed grooming standards during the month of November.
“We hope this can start the conversation and help bring awareness to the community,” said Chief Sean Rahe of the Loveland Police Department. “This is also a chance for our officers to give back to a hometown charity that works every day to help fight childhood cancer.”
CancerFree KIDS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds innovative childhood cancer research at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital (Columbus, Ohio).
In addition, Loveland officers’ support of No Shave November brings awareness to the increased cancer rate among first responders.
Research studies have demonstrated an increased risk of mortality among police for several cancers including colon, bladder, kidney, trachea, lung, digestive, melanoma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Similarly, recent data has shown increased risks for firefighters. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that firefighters face a 9% increase in cancer diagnoses and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general U.S. population.
About CancerFree KIDS
CancerFree KIDS invests in early pediatric cancer research to bring life to new ideas for gentler and more effective treatments for kids with cancer. Since inception, the organization has invested $7 million in research resulting in more than $71 million in subsequent funding to the field.
During the month of November, CancerFree KIDS is hosting its annual Celebration of Champions, an event honoring children who have battled cancer. The event will be held virtually Nov. 12 and features auctions; wine and bourbon pulls; and a grand raffle.
To learn more about CancerFree KIDS, please visit www.cancerfreekids.org. If you would like to donate to pediatric cancer research, donations can be made online or sent by mail to CancerFree KIDS, PO Box 575, Loveland, OH 45140.