Lemont Firefighters Go Bald to Fight Childhood Cancer

For the fourth year in a row, members of the banded together to raise money for childhood cancer research and pay tribute to the late daughter of one of their own.

Fourteen members of Team Lemont Fire, affectionately known as "Team Rockstar," shaved their heads at the Bolingbrook Golf Club on Saturday for the sixth annual "Bolingbrook 4 Kids" St. Baldrick's fundraiser.

The group raised nearly $10,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a national non-profit organization that raises money for childhood cancer research.

For Team Lemont Fire, the St. Baldrick's event is deeply personal.

In March 2008, 11-month-old Macy Ganz—the daughter of longtime Lemont firefighter Christian Ganz—was diagnosed with stage 4 clear-cell sarcoma of the kidney, a rare cancer that affects approximately 20 children each year in the United States.

Macy completed aggressive chemotherapy and radiation, but the cancer spread to her brain. After surgery and additional chemo and radiation, she spent the summer of 2009 cancer-free.

In September 2009, however, doctors discovered Macy had developed leukemia as a result of her previous cancer therapy, requiring additional chemo and a stem cell transplant.

She died on Aug. 6, 2010, at the age of 3.

Today, the Lemont Fire Protection District continues to honor Macy's memory by shaving their heads and raising money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Over the past four years, they have raised close to $50,000.

The group—comprised mostly of men—dons bright pink shirts for the event to in honor of Macy's favorite color. Their unofficial moniker, "Team Rockstar," also pays tribute to the bright, bubbly 3-year-old.

"Macy was our little rockstar," said Michelle Ganz, Macy's mom. "She was just infectious and made everyone smile."

Ganz, who spoke at the event Saturday, said she and her husband are grateful for the continued support of the Lemont Fire Protection District.

"They've been amazing to our family," she said. "It means the world to us that they participate in this event."

Lemont firefighter Tony Nalepa, captain of Team Rockstar, said they will continue to participate in the St. Baldrick's event for years to come.

"It really means a lot to us because of Chris and Michelle and everything theirfamily has gone through," Nalepa said. "We love doing it. It's all because of Macy."

When asked Saturday what he thought about his team, Lemont Fire Chief Carl Churulo simply said, "Wow."