What is C.U.F.F. Cancer?
A Fund "Razor"
Lieutenant Michael Macarilla
Vermont State PoliceIn June of 1994 Sgt. Gary Goulet of the Edmonton. Ontario Police Department met a five-year old boy named Lyle who had been stricken with cancer. As a result of his chemotherapy treatments, Lyle lost his hair. He was the subject of much ridicule and teasing from the other kids, so Sgt. Goulet decided to help.
Sgt. Goulet's head was already shaved, so he asked Lyle if he would like his picture taken with him next to his police car. Lyle was excited and jumped at the chance. Sgt. Goulet wanted to do this to show Lyle it was okay to be bald (not to mention he wanted to make the kids teasing Lyle jealous).
Several other officers wanted to shave their heads and be in the photograph as well. The story received national attention. The police department received many phone calls and letters of support. One letter in particular inspired Sgt. Goulet to do more.
The letter writer said that her daughter had cancer many years ago. Her hair had also fallen out. The writer wanted Sgt. Goulet to tell Lyle that his hair would grow back and he too would be fine. The writer also wrote, "How about a challenge to other police departments as a fundraising effort?" "Cops for Cancer" was born.
Over the winter of 1998, I met two police officers from Canada who were participating in the "Cops for Cancer" event. We spoke a great length, and after speaking with Lt. John Flannigan also of the Vermont State Police we thought the idea would be a perfect fundraiser for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta.
In August of 1998 we held the first "Cops for Cancer" event outside of Canada. The first event in the United States had about 36 participants and raised over $6,000.00 for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta. We have held the event every year in Vermont since and have raised over $165,000.00 for the camp.
In 2000 the name of the event was changed from "Cops for Cancer" to C.U.F.F. Cancer, Cops United For Fighting Cancer. We have registered the new name as a trademark and now want to promote this event across the United States and the world.
What is C.U.F.F. Cancer?
C.U.F.F. Cancer's primary mission is to raise funds and awareness for cancer related causes. Our head shaving event has been specifically a fundraiser for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, affiliated with Children's Oncology Camping Association International (COCA), involving public safety professionals who collects funds and in turn have their heads shaved by barbers or cosmetologists assisted by the children who attend the local camp.
C.U.F.F. Cancer has been a rewarding program for us and encourage all to participate and/or contribute in some way.
Contact Us
Email: info@cuffcancer.org
Phone: (802) 872-4045