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Fla. Congressman Gus Bilirakis to Shave His Head for Cancer Awareness |
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August 14,
2007
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.)
will keep his promise to shave his head for the American Cancer Society's
Southeast Hillsborough Unit on Friday, August 17, 2007, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00
p.m. at the Florida Center & Botanical Gardens located at the Florida State
Fairgrounds.
"Inspired by two of our board members last year, Gus promised to shave his head
if we met our fundraising stretch goal during the 2006-2007 fiscal year, and we
did," said Mike Wick, Chairman of the American Cancer Society Southeast
Hillsborough Unit Board. "We are thrilled because when Gus shaves his
head and goes to his office in D.C., he will lead the way and bring more
awareness to the U.S. Congress."
"It is important that we all continue to raise awareness and express our
support for cancer research and informing the public about what we know about
this disease," said Congressman Bilirakis. "I am pleased to play a small part
in this effort by fulfilling my promise to shave my head after this group
successfully met their fundraising challenge. Their work contributes to the
positive work the American Cancer Society is doing throughout the United States."
Upon his return from a trip to the Middle East, Congressman Bilirakis will head
straight to Florida
for the event. On Friday, He will sit atop a professional barber's chair to be
shaved by a local barber. Several members of his staff in both Washington, DC and Florida will also be
joining in the Congressman's efforts by shaving their heads.
One of Bilirakis's staff members in particular, Legislative Director Jerry
White of New Port Richey, views this effort as an opportunity to join in
solidarity with his own father's struggle with prostate cancer. Diagnosed
several months ago, his father has undergone aggressive radiation treatments
and is currently awaiting further tests.
"I was really touched when Congressman Bilirakis told me that he was willing to
shave his head because he believes so strongly in this cause," said White. "It
seemed to me that shaving my head is a small price to pay to help raise
awareness about the importance of cancer research and show support for the
millions of people who are courageously fighting this disease and who
desperately need to find better treatments, and hopefully one day, a cure for
it."
If you would like more
information about the event please contact the Southeast Hillsborough American
Cancer Society office at 813-685-0670. Media can contact ACS Southeast
Hillsborough Unit Media Chair Deg'er Saner at 813-651-3826 or Congressman
Bilirakis's Communications Director John Tomaszewski at 202-225-5755.
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