Woodland Shaves to raise money for childhood cancer research

A Woodland Police Department sergeant made a traffic stop that inspired him to make a difference in the lives of young cancer patients.

Sgt. Ted Ruiz pulled a vehicle over last year for a minor violation. Inside the vehicle, the passengers were on a FaceTime call with a young family member who was in the hospital for cancer treatment. Ruiz began talking to 6-year-old Pastor on the FaceTIme call and they’ve kept in touch ever since, according to a post on the city of Woodland website.

Ruiz has been growing out his hair for nearly a year. Now he’s ready to shave it off to support Pastor and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s mission to find cures for children with cancer. Ruiz and Pastor will be reuniting and joining St. Baldrick’s Foundation for Woodland Shaves this Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Father Paddy’s, 435 Main Street in Woodland. The public is invited to join the event.

Woodland Police Department officers are excited to partner with community leaders in hosting 19 shavees, according to the city post. Their team has raised more than $20,000 so far. The department will stream the event on its social media platforms so that the community can join this effort.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation fast facts:

• More than $305 Million in research grants raised since 2005

• Since the first event in 2000, money raised has helped change the outcomes for children with cancer worldwide

• 82% to 94% survival rate increase for children with high-risk non-Hodgkin lymphoma

• 30% to 50% survival rate increase of high-risk neuroblastoma

• 80% to 90% survival rate increase of a form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia