Buffalo Sabres team up with Bald for Bucks, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team will partner with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Bald for Bucks initiative throughout the month of February to raise funds for critical cancer research and patient-care programs.

“The Sabres’ support of our mission makes such a difference in our ability to conduct cutting-edge research and provide compassionate care programs for our patients,” said Candace S. Johnson, Ph.D., Roswell Park President and CEO. “I’m especially grateful for the engagement of the Western New York community once again in supporting Bald for Bucks. I cannot thank the Buffalo Sabres enough for being an important part of the fight against cancer.”

As part of the effort, the Sabres and Roswell Park will release a limited-edition Bald for Bucks T-shirt with a Sabres golden season theme. Donors who contribute $50 or more will receive the T-shirt and have the chance to win autographed merchandise, tickets to future Sabres and Buffalo Bandits games, and meet-and-greet opportunities.

Prior to the Sabres’ game vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, March 5, Sabres studio analyst Martin Biron and play-by-play announcer Dan Dunleavy will shave their heads live on air during the Sabres’ broadcast.

“At the start of every season, I look forward to the month of February and the Bald for Bucks campaign,” Biron said. “Being part of this great cause has given me the chance to not only raise funds and awareness, but to meet some exceptional people along the way. Going Bald for Bucks is one way to honor and recognize the real heroes in the battle against cancer."

“The fight against cancer is something too many of us can relate to,” Dunleavy said. “The disease has directly touched every member of my immediate family, as well as many friends. I recall my sister, too, early in her life, worrying about losing her long hair during life-saving treatments. Taking part in Bald for Bucks is an easy way to honor my family’s battle and show everyone in this fight that they are not alone."

Donations can be made online at Sabres.com/BaldForBucks or at KeyBank Center during the team’s home games on Feb. 1, 9 and 23, and March 5. All money raised stays in Western New York, with the goal of accelerating promising research projects and supporting programs that assist patients during their cancer journey.

About Bald for Bucks

Bald for Bucks began in 2002 when Western New Yorker Cathleen George was being treated for cancer. Her brother, Tony, promised his sister that he would shave his head with her and remain bald until her hair grew back. Tony, a teacher at Lake Shore High School, brought this idea to his students and many offered to help. One student suggested they raise money and then do the shaving, and a fundraiser was born. In the years since the program was founded, thousands of participants across Western New York have joined forces to raise over $5 million to help find cures and save lives.

About Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity – by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact RPCI at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or [email protected].