SAUGUS — A Saugus resident is telling cancer to buzz off.
Marc Filipiak will shave his head alongside New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and hundreds of others at Gillette Stadium in June to raise money for pediatric programs.
Proceeds will fund programs and services that make life brighter for kids fighting cancer and their families, like music and art therapy, birthday parties and holiday celebrations, hospital room makeovers, and toys and games at hospitals including Boston Children’s Hospital, The Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The money does not go toward finding a cure. It funds programs that ease the routine of children fighting the disease.
“I buzz my head to show these courageous children they are not alone, others stand beside them as they battle this terrible disease,” said Filipiak.
In the last four years, Filipiak has raised more than $14,000 for One Mission.
He set his goal at $6,000 this year to surpass $20,000 raised overall.
To get there, he’s stepping up his fundraising tactics this year. He has already raised money by splitting the pot for Super Bowl squares and basketball brackets.
On April 11, he will raise money at the Fuddruckers Restaurant in Reading from 5-8 p.m.
There will be raffles from Kowloon Restaurant, Kelly’s Roast Beef, North Shore Music Theater, the New England Aquarium, and the Museum of Science.
“If I can raise money and help a child smile — from a toy or a room makeover — then I will do whatever it takes,” said Filipiak. “I have dyed my hair, grown an outlandish beard before, not too sure what I will do this year to bring attention to a worthwhile cause.”
To sponsor Filipiak or to learn more information on how you can join The Buzz Off, please visit www.onemissionbuzzoff.org/MarcFilipiak5
