Thirteen Amador County residents pose with recently shaved heads after Monday's Great Amador Shave Out. At left are the barbers and cosmetologists responsible for the carnage. Photo by: Courtesy to the Ledger Dispatch Richard Forster talks to Sheriff Mike Prizmich while Sylvia Martinez shaves Prizmich's head. Prizmich came up with the idea of the shave out to show support for cancer survivors. Photo by: Sean Rabé Chauntel Wehe, left, and Becky Digirolomo, both employees of the Jackson post office, celebrate their newfound baldness together. Photo by: Sean Rabé

In a show of solidarity with those recovering from or afflicted with cancer, 13 Amador County residents shaved their heads Monday morning at the TSPN studios in Jackson.

Amador County Sheriff Mike Prizmich challenged volunteers with the Amador County Camp Out for Cancer to shave their heads in a show of support for cancer patients. Volunteers agreed to continue to shave their heads until the Camp Out for Cancer takes place. Volunteers have also promised to shave their heads at the event.

"I decided to do this as a show of support for the people I see every day," said Chauntel Wehe, one of only two female shavees. She is a carrier for the Jackson post office. "They asked for a woman who didn't have feathers and I guess that was me."

The volunteer hairdressers and barbers will continue to shave heads for the cause, said Camp Out for Cancer coordinator Ginger Rolf, if people call the Amador Support, Transportation and Resource Services office at 223-1246.

Camanche Recreation is donating $10 for the first 50 heads that get shaved from now through the Camp Out and is challenging other individuals and businesses to do the same. Rolf agreed and sponsored each head shaved Monday for $10 each as well.

"I am challenging other school district employees to match my $130 donation to Camp Out for Cancer," Rolf added.

Those shaved at Monday's event included Wehe, Prizmich, Jack Mitchell, Mike Datema, Mike Rolf, Perry Carr, Sean Rabe, Jo Jo Hernandez, Josh Sabanovich, Dave Carlson, Neil Carlson, Lawrence Wallage and Becky Digirolomo. Cosmetologists and barbers were Laura Imperial of Hair Again (herself a cancer survivor), Sandy Icaperra of Hot Cuts and Sylvia Martinez of Castle Cuts.

The Amador STARS are sponsoring the Amador County Camp Out for Cancer on Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18 at Amador High School Stadium in Sutter Creek. The event begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and ends at 9 a.m. on Sunday.

The Camp Out is a 21-hour event to support cancer patients, to honor cancer survivors, to remember those who lost their battle to cancer and to raise funds for cancer support services in Amador County. Teams form and take turns walking the track throughout the 21-hour event. Campsites are set up and decorated with themes such as Clown Around to Cure Cancer, Surfing for the Cancer Cure, or Give Cancer the Boot. Each team picks a mascot to represent them.

Team members are asked to collect donations before the event takes place.

In the morning hours, a survivor celebration party takes place to honor all survivors and to celebrate life. Refreshments are served and gifts are passed out. Cancer Survivors can call the STARS office to sign up to participate.

In the evening, thousands of luminaries are placed around the track at the stadium. Candles are lit to honor those who have battled cancer. A ceremony is held and the names of all cancer patients are read.

The teams pitch their tents on the football field and take turns napping or walking the track.

Entertainment is provided throughout the event. Many local musicians donate their time to be sure the volunteers are kept awake.

There is a fun zone area set up for all ages. It includes water slides, volleyball, badminton, video games and so much more.

Last year $103,000 was raised at this event. The goal is the same this year. Ten percent of the proceeds are dedicated to research.

The Amador STARS supplies three cancer vans to transport patients who need to go to the valley for radiation treatments. There is no charge to the patients for this service. There are 25 volunteer drivers who give their time and service to transport the patients to treatment.

They also support the local cancer support group, the Look Good Feel Better Program (also sponsored by ACS) and assist patients in finding the right program or service for their needs.

Contact the Amador STARS office at 223-1246 for more information or if you would like to attend the event. Everyone in the community is encouraged to become involved.