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PARK RIDGE, Ill. (FOX 32) - One of the most successful St. Baldrick's events in the country involved some hair-raising numbers on Tuesday in the northwest suburbs.
As the hair disappeared in Park Ridge, the money grew. It was a staggering contribution to fight childhood cancer: $416,000.
It was all raised by students and staff at Lincoln and Emerson middle schools, making St. Baldrick's history.
“Well, let's put it this way, in the entire U.S., we're currently ranked No. 3,” said Chris Francis, Lincoln Middle School teacher. “We're behind two Vegas bars but I think we're giving them a pretty good run for their money."
This event started in 2011 by teacher Jim Tebo, when his daughter was diagnosed with cancer.
At the last St. Baldrick's there in 2016, Benny Martinez raised more money than any other sixth grader. Days later, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and is now paralyzed from the neck down.
However, that didn't stop Benny from helping out.
“The money he raised this year was triple the last time around three years ago,” said Michelle Martinez, Benny’s mother.
There was also some shameless, but proud reporter involvement as my 14-year-old Grace and 12-year-old Haley both made the follicle sacrifice.
Amazing only begins to describe it.