Community Corner

Friends Lose Hair Over Firefighter's Diagnosis [VIDEO]

A.J. Rogers, 19, who is battling Leukemia, now has a Mohawk after losing hair from chemotherapy treatment. On Sunday, a group of friends went under a hairdresser's razor in a show of support.

Laura Vittorio's razor buzzed for hours Sunday morning as the hairdresser zipped away trails of hair from one young man after another. Those taking a seat in her chair, set up in the kitchen of Brian and Jodi McCauleys' Monroe home, left with crew cuts and Mohawks. It was all done in a show of solidarity for their friend, A.J. Rogers, 19, who was recently stricken with Leukemia and lost hair from chemotherapy.

Rogers grew up in Monroe and is enrolled at Naugatuck Community College, where he is studying to be a professional firefighter. He has been a volunteer at Stevenson Volunteer Fire Department since becoming a junior firefighter as a student at Masuk High School.

Ever since Rogers was diagnosed with Leukemia a few weeks ago, members of the community have rallied to support him.

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Brian McCauley, who is a police lieutenant in Monroe, picked up a $100 check donated by the owner of on Main Street. "Chris McPadden, he couldn't get his checkbook out fast enough," McCauley said. "He knows A.J.'s dad."

Another local business, Jenson Tire & Automotive, which once employed Rogers, is donating $5 for every tire sold.

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An account has been set up for A.J. at the branch in the Big Y Shopping Center, 535 Monroe Turnpike. Those interested in making a donation may ask for Carrie Milks at the bank. Checks made payable to Andrew Rogers will be accepted.


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