City Times Staff

Firefighters in Park Ridge are raising money for a local family affected by childhood cancer- and will be losing their locks in the process.

Eight firefighters from the village’s volunteer fire department will be shaving their heads on Tuesday after meeting a fundraising goal of $2,000.

The fundraising project was spearheaded by Mid-State Technical College’s Department of Corrections-Criminal Justice, which sponsors one local fundraiser each semester.

This semester’s cause is 11 year-old Isaac Mlodick, a St. Bronislava Elementary School student with cancer.

Isaac Mlodick.(Contributed photo)

Isaac, son of Michelle and Nick Mlodik, has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and began a series of chemotherapy treatments last year. His parents say Isaac will also need surgery.

The fundraising effort through GoFundMe.com raised nearly $1,800 in its first five days, but Courtney Kostuchowski, an instructor at MSTC, hoped to see at least $10,000 raised by the end of February.

That goal has now been exceeded by more than $500.

“Isaac deserves the world right now,” said Kostuchowski, adding the GoFundMe page, Shavin’ for a reason is still active and it’s not too late to donate.

Park Ridge firefighters will get their heads shaved at the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum, 1100 Main St., at about 6:15 PM on March 3.

The event is family-friendly and open to the public. Food will be available onsite.

For more information contact Park Ridge Fire Chief Brian Lepper at [email protected].