Mies Park was filled with volunteers and walkers commemorating friends and family who have succumbed to cancer, as well as celebrating those who have overcome it.

The Cole family participated in the Walk for Hope, strolling along the park route and enjoying a turkey wrap for lunch from a food truck.

Piper Steve once more graced the opening procession of St. Baldrick's volunteers, continuing an annual tradition at the Shave-a-thon.

Robb Drzewicki adds to his guest shavers which in the past included Maureen Brosnan, Dennis Wright, Laura Toy, and now Jim Jolly.

Matt Kulacki's son closely examines his father's newly shaved head, a gesture his dad made along with many others to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research.

In our hometown, a single day presented two chances to confront the challenge of cancer directly. Two annual events brought together dozens of volunteers.

In one of the events Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church organized a cancer fundraising walk at Mies Park, formerly known as Whitman Park, to remember or honor loved ones.

They aimed to foster unity and remind everyone that the fight against cancer is a collective effort. Under the pavilion, friends and families congregated, while others enjoyed food from a food truck, with students from RGPC available to assist.

In its second year, the event's continuation into a third is hoped for by this writer, and Musings will certainly support spreading the word about a cause so crucial to those affected by the impact of cancer on families and the wider community.

For 14 years, Livonia has led the charge against pediatric cancer, raising over $1.2 million.

The Shave-a-Thon, with support from residents, families, businesses, and numerous volunteers, has not only raised awareness about this devastating disease but has also done so in an engaging manner, all while generating substantial funds.

This event stands out from others held throughout the year as the afternoon's schedule was designed to energize, bring smiles to the faces of volunteers, and show support to attendees. Louie Lee succeeded the Ardan Academy of Irish Dance with his distinctive "country hop and roll," followed by singer-songwriter Nick Small.

Thanks to Becky Drzewicki we have this picture of the Drzewick family getting their heads shaved at the same time. This is an annual rite for this family as they continue their support, collectively of the fight to defeat pediatric cancer.

The St. Baldrick's Shave-a-Thon is giving hope to thousands of children diagnosed with cancer every day – from babies and toddlers to children, teens and young adults.

Those helping out are saving lives!

This Livonia event will speed the search for cures through St. Baldrick’s, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants.

$101,618 was raised this year through the St. Baldrick's Shave-a-thon

One event making a difference

Thank you to the leading individual contributors, who raised these dollar amounts for shaving their heads:

Vince Austin $17,753

Matt Kulacki $12,987

Daniel Brinker $7533

Thank you to the leading teams, raising these dollars for their team members shaving their heads:

Chrome Dome $44,210

Hogan's Heros $23,546

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Special thanks to Robb Drzewicki for initiating this remarkable journey, and to Matt Kulacki for carrying on the legacy. 

Additionally, our gratitude goes to Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church for providing a space for us to unite in remembering those who have triumphed over cancer and honoring the memory of those we have lost to the disease.