Bruins joined by Richard family at ‘Cuts for a Cause’ fundraiser

Bruins players got some new hairstyles Wednesday as part of their ninth annual "Cuts for a Cause" fundraiser, where they were joined by the family of Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombing.

The Bruins had fans bid on shaving their favorite player’s head and some fans even bid for the chance to have a player shave their heads. All the money raised will be going to the Boston Bruins Foundation and the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center to fight pediatric cancer. In total, 23 players got their heads shaved.

Martin Richard’s sister Jane, who lost her leg in the bombing, got to shave forward and fellow Dorchester native Jimmy Hayes’ head. Her father Bill got his head shaved by goalie Tuukka Rask, who got some hair-cutting help from Jane. Rask said he was there to supervise, in case she cut too close, and told 7News the Bruins appreciate the Richard family’s help in raising money for pediatric cancer research.

"They’re a great family, it’s a really big tragedy what happened here with them and with everybody else but they’ve done such a great job being in the community and continuing to live their lives," said Rask. "And I’m honored to shave his head today, which is great."

As Jane shaved Hayes’ head, he told the audience that he was getting his hair cut by "the prettiest girl in Dorchester." Hayes said the fundraiser is important to him because both of his parents are cancer survivors.

"My mom had colon cancer and my dad had throat cancer. They’re both doing well right now, so it’s always good to have that on your side," said Hayes. "It’s one of those events that hits home a little harder."

The "Cuts for a Cause" fundraiser has raised over half a million dollars for cancer research since it started.

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