The Texas A&M University Police Department, Bryan Police Department, Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, and the College Station Police Department concluded their fundraising campaign on January 5, 2022. These law enforcement agencies participated in the Beard It Up and Color for the Cure Campaigns to raise money for The Cure Starts Now-Central Texas to raise money for childhood cancer. The departments raised $14,717.
On November 1, 2021 officers participating from the local agencies donated $50 to grow a beard or $30 to grow a goatee. Female officers donated $30 to paint their nails a color that coincides with a type of cancer that has affected them or someone they know. Most local agencies do not allow certain types of facial hair or colored nail polish while in uniform. For the months of November and December, participating agencies relaxed these policies to help raise awareness.
The Cure Starts Now – Central Texas Chapter was established by Vicky and Troy Bridier in September of 2016 in memory of their daughter, Jade. Jade Bridier passed away at the young age of 4 from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an aggressive and deadly brain tumor. During her 5 days of battle with cancer, Jade’s story became an inspiration to hundreds of thousands of people and opened the eyes of many to the plight of children and families who are impacted by pediatric cancer. Within the last four years, three Texas law enforcement families have lost a child under the age of 10 to the deadliest pediatric brain cancer, DIPG, which is always terminal.
Brazos Guardian 