3 Bethel High School Teachers will 'Brave a Shave' in Honor of Late Student

BETHEL, CT — Three teachers will "Brave a Shave" to raise awareness for childhood cancer and honor a beloved student who passed away from the disease last year. Thomas Fritch was just 14-years-old when he died on November of 2013 after a courageous battle against childhood cancer.

He was born in Danbury on June 26, 1999, a son of Gerald and Diane Fritch, was a freshman at Bethel High School, class of 2017 and was supported by a great group of close friends and relatives during his fight. His girlfriend Emma Fagan, family, friends and the community raised over $7,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation through the fundraiser. the foundation said on their website that they hold head shaving events "Because kids with cancer often lose their hair during treatment, "shavees℠" for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation show their support by shaving their heads voluntarily, and inspiring friends and family to donate money to support childhood cancer research."

Fagan, a childhood cancer survivor, helped organize the fundraiser and said:

"Thank you to everyone who donated to the fundraiser in memory of my boyfriend Thomas, and really in honor of all the kids of Bethel who have fought childhood cancer," Fagan wrote. "As a childhood cancer survivor myself, it really brings me close to tears seeing the community effort to help raise money to end childhood cancer. We raised $5500 over the original goal. I am so proud of the community and how we all came together for a cause that is so known in our small town."

Fagan said that three Bethel High School staff members, Mr. Troetti, Mr.Turek and Mr.Baummer, will have their heads shaved by students on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Photo of Thomas Fritch by Emma Fagan