Page 51 - May 2018 FOP Magazine

Officers brave the shave to support cancer research
n BY NICK SWEDBERG
Chicago Police Officer Brenda Valadez knows that she’ll nev- er cure childhood cancer alone, but she’s determined to do her small part.
This includes spearheading the Department’s annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser, an event that generates crucial cash and fosters a continued relationship between local officers and the nonprofit organization. For 11 years, the Chicago Police De- partment has held the yearly event, leaving hundreds of heads shaved and more than $1 million collected, all in the name of saving children, many of whom are children or relatives of Chi- cago officers.
“When we have these events, we choose children to honor, and most of the kids are children of Chicago officers,” Valadez said.
This list of children includes Valadez’s own son. He was diag- nosed with cancer in 2012 at the age of 9. He’s currently on track to reach his five-year cancer-free anniversary, but he traveled a long road to get there. Despite how rocky things became, his mother was relentlessly by his side, supporting him emotional- ly and supporting St. Baldrick’s cause: finding new treatments, research grants and possible cures.
“There’s really nothing new out there in the way of treat- ment,” Valadez said. “When you think about how advanced medicine is, it’s hard to believe there’s really nothing new out there for these kids.”
It is her hope that the Department’s efforts will make some impact, no matter how small.
“Once it hits close to home and you get over the shock of hav- ing a child with cancer, you go into fight mode. All you can think is, ‘What am I going to do to beat this?’” she said.
Her determination to help led to her role as the St. Baldrick’s fundraising coordinator. She took over the position four years ago and hasn’t looked back.
This year, 21 participants — ranging from 3 years old to peo- ple in their mid-60s — registered to raise funds and have their heads shaved in the name of childhood cancer research. A re- tired officer and his wife, who have shaved for six and seven years respectively, are constant figures who participate in mem- ory of the son they lost to cancer.
A 9-year-old boy grew his hair out for three years so he could brave the shave and donate his long locks to a charity that pro-
vides wigs for cancer patients.
“He raised over $2,500 himself and was my top fundraiser,”
Valadez said. “I want to just extend a big thank-you to every- body who supports the event. When you read these children’s stories, even if you’re not a parent, it touches you. Anything we can do to help one child, we’re willing to do.” d
A bizarre tale of intrigue, smuggling and murder set in Chicago and the special unit created to solve the crimes.
It’s fiction, but how close to the truth is it when it takes place in Chicago? It’s
a roller coaster of events with a bit of politics thrown in, but hey, it’s Chicago!
Chicago Ice is authored by retired officer Dick Wiser, a 27-year street veteran of the CPD.
About the Author: Having worked multiple assignments both in uniform and plain clothes over his CPD career, Wiser received multiple awards and had more than his share of incidents that make good reading: sad, funny, heart-breaking, evil and more than just a few just downright stupid. A hint of some of those events are recounted in this – his first published book.
Wiser is retired and enjoying life with his wife of over
50 years, daughter and son Rick, who is a lieutenant in the CPD Detective Division.
A “must read” for those who like action and a change of pace from everyday life.
Available at:
FOP Lodge 7 Gift Shop
Amazon Books.com (Search “Chicago Ice- Dick Wiser”) BarnesandNoble.com
Kindle
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MAY 2018 51
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