Cops for Cancer - Team Ironman

Cops for Cancer - Team Ironman, races as a proud supporter of the greater effort that is Cops for Cancer.  This article by Sergeant Gary Goulet brings a little history to this great cause.

By Staff Sergeant Gary Goulet, Founder of Cops for Cancer

In June of 1994, I met a five year old boy named Lyle who had been stricken with cancer. As a result of his chemotherapy treatments, Lyle had lost his hair. As a consequence, he bore the brunt of much ridicule and teasing from other kids. Feeling compassion for the boy, I decided to take action.

My head was already shaved, so I asked Lyle if he would like his picture taken with me in a police cruiser. He was excited and jumped at the chance. I wanted to do it to show Lyle it was cool to be bald and at the same time had hoped to make other kids recognize this and perhaps even feel a bit jealous of him.

Several other police officers heard about my plan and wanted to shave their heads to be in the photo as well. In total, seven police officers posed with Lyle and the story received national attention. We received many phone calls and letters of support from people across Canada who were very moved by the story. 

One letter from a woman in Mitchell, Ontario inspired me to do more. She said that her daughter had suffered from cancer many years ago. Her hair had fallen out, but she had since recovered and all of her hair had now grown back. She wanted me to tell Lyle that his hair would also grow back, and he too would be fine. She also made the suggestion of challenging to other police departments to follow our lead and grow the act into a fundraising effort for cancer.

I conducted some research and developed the Cops for Cancer Campaign. My original goal was to put a coin container in every police station in Edmonton. This was the first program of its kind in Canada and it had a very modest beginning. Our goal for our first year was to raise $500. We received tremendous support from citizens everywhere and raised $12,000 in eleven months.

The workload was greater than anyone had anticipated. In November of 1995, a committee was formed, comprised of several police officers and civilians with a common goal...to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Alberta raised almost $300,000 in 1996, with about 500 officers shaving their heads, including 25 female officers. Cops for Cancer was soon a national event for the Canadian Cancer Society. By 1998, all municipal, provincial and federal agencies were involved, including the RCMP.

Incredible ideas were implemented across the country, including sponsored bike rides, golf tournaments, auctions car washes and fun runs.

Our signature event continues to be the "Famous Head Shave." As of May 2000, over 3,000 police officers have shaved their heads and over $6.5 million has been raised for cancer research.  Almost 200 female officers have also shaved their heads, showing a great commitment to the cause.  It is a classic example of the police and the community working together towards a common goal.

And as for my original inspiration...Lyle - he's now 12 years old and doing very well. It shows what teamwork can do.

I  welcome any Police Agencies to come on board and join this worthy cause.