Twenty Lake Zurich, Ill., firefighter/paramedics will shave their heads to raise research funds for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

More than 90 firefighter teams from all over the country are expected to shave their heads this month to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

The annual event, traditionally held on or around St. Patrick's Day, began in 1999 when a small group a New York businessmen decided to celebrate the Irish holiday with a twist. Their original pledge to raise "$17,000 on the 17th" has grown over the years to raise nearly $7,000,000.

Visit www.stbaldricks.org to pledge a donation, register to become a "shavee" or learn more about the St. Baldrick's Foundation. To view or contribute to a firefighter team, select "Find a Team" and enter "fire."

Cancer is the # 1 disease killer of children. Forty-six children, or two classrooms of students, are diagnosed every day. Despite remarkable progress in research and treatment, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children.