Orlando, Fla. – In a powerful display of community spirit, twenty‑four volunteers from Orlando Health and the University of Central Florida gathered at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children to shave their heads for the second annual “Buzz for Bravery” event. The fundraiser, aimed at raising awareness and money for childhood cancer and sickle cell disease, saw staff, athletes and even young patients join together in solidarity.
Local participation swells
Participation this year quadrupled from the inaugural event, expanding from six volunteers to twenty‑four. Hospital President Justin Williams, a longtime supporter who has shaved his own head nine times, explained the significance: “We are shaving our heads to raise awareness for childhood cancer, but even more importantly, to stand in solidarity with our bravest patients who are battling cancer and raise funds needed to find a cure.”
Patients join the cause
Children receiving care at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children were invited to help shave the volunteers’ heads, turning the act into a shared experience of hope and courage. Dr. Nicole Armstrong Demoraes, an outpatient pediatrician known for her distinctive purple hair, described the event as “a wonderful experience” and praised the determination and joy of the young patients.
Fundraising and community impact
Beyond the symbolic haircuts, Buzz for Bravery serves as a fundraiser for research and treatment programs. While exact figures were not disclosed, organizers emphasized that every donation moves the community closer to a cure and supports families facing the emotional and financial strain of serious illness.
Personal reflections
For many volunteers, the shaved head becomes a lasting reminder of the children they serve. Dr. Armstrong Demoraes noted, “As I look in the mirror in the morning and I get ready — and inevitably when I go to put up my hair — it will make me think of them.” The sentiment was echoed by several staff members who said the event reinforced the hospital’s mission to treat the whole child, not just the disease.
Looking ahead
Organizers hope to keep the momentum growing, inviting more community members, local businesses and schools to participate in future years. The event underscores Orlando Health’s commitment to community‑focused care and highlights how local institutions can rally together to confront life‑threatening illnesses.
Buzz for Bravery demonstrates that when a city unites around a common cause—whether through a shaved head, a donation, or a prayer—real hope can be cultivated for the most vulnerable among us.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
