The Daily News

First-responders to get 'buzzed' for Dream Factory

It wasn't the Make a Wish Foundation that sent young Erin Byrd of Pine and Lucky Bright of Franklinton to Disney World last year. It was the country's second largest children's wish-granting organization, the Dream Factory.

DAILY NEWS PHOTO/Marcelle Hanemann Bogalusa Fire Captain Jr. Miley ponders getting his head shaved as part of a benefit for the Dream Factory, which grants wishes for critically and chronically ill children. Advertisement

It's also the Factory that is now in the process of arranging to make another nearby child's dream come true, and she's just the latest of about a dozen critically and chronically ill kids from Washington, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes whose lives have already been touched by the fledgling local branch of the national organization.

Twelve kids, 12 dreams fulfilled in less than two years is good, said Audrey Pierce, area coordinator and chief volunteer. But more would be better. Increased community awareness is vital, she said.

Pierce has a plan, and it involves "buzz cuts" and fire department, law enforcement and emergency medical service personnel.

The Dream Factory is taking part in the national "Buzz the Red, White and Blue...Make a Dream Come True" campaign. The local goal is to raise $1,200 to $1,500, enough money to "grant four dreams," said Pierce.

The red stands for firefighters. The white stands for EMS workers. And the blue stands for the men and women of law enforcement.

The annual event asks them to help raise funds to enable the not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization to continue its work. It also invites them to get their heads shaved as a show of support for "all the children who undergo chemotherapy each year," said Pierce.

"Hair loss can have a devastating effect on a child who is already dealing with the unexplainable concept of cancer," she said in a letter inviting participation. "When a child looses her hair from chemotherapy it takes a long time to grow back. Often times the waiting is difficult, with odd looks from strangers, comments from schoolmates along with the self-consciousness many children already possess... Your hair will grow back quickly and your life will go back to the way it was before. Unfortunately, we cannot make the same promise to those children living with serious illness. The lives of these children and their families will never go back to the way it was before the life changing diagnosis. Together we cannot cure these children, but we can show them an incredible amount of love and support."

Pierce stressed that participants will not be required to get buzzed. Those who do agree will get shaved as the grand finale of the "Bald Bash Picnic" at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds in Franklinton from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 28.

The entire community is encouraged to witness the shearing, to donate to the cause and to enjoy a good time in the process.

Fathers of past Dream recipients plus volunteers will cook up hamburgers and hot dogs. There will be live entertainment and children's activities. And all the local "Dream children" intend to be on-site.

"We are getting a wonderful response to this event," said Pierce. "So far we have commitments from the Bogalusa Police, Bogalusa fire fighters, Troop L Highway Patrol, St. Tammany fire fighters, St. Tammany police and Louisiana Probation & Parole. Every day we seem to be getting one or two more."

Anyone who would like to donate hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, soft drinks or ice cream, to provide entertainment, help cut hair or simply volunteer time for the picnic is encouraged to call the Dream Factory at 839-0283.

"We will be doing this fundraiser annually," said Pierce. "What a blessing these children are."