Two Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders shaved their heads in support of cancer research following news that the team's coach was diagnosed with luekemia.

Megan M. and Crystal Ann had their heads shaved after a challenge by the team's mascot, and after the whole team was stunned when their head coach, Chuck Pagano, was diagnosed with leukemia.

On Nov. 11, a challenge was announced on Twitter by the team's mascot, Blue. The mascot's challenge to all Colts cheerleaders said that if he could raise $10,000 for leukemia research by the Colts vs. Bills game on Nov. 25, one cheerleader would have to shave her head. The team's mascot asked fans to donate to the CHUCKSTRONG fund on the Colts website. Money raised through the challenge will benefit leukemia research at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis.

Megan M. decided first that she would be that cheerleader. She explained why she made the decision to show her support in an interview with ABC, saying, "Because of myself having friends who've been affected by cancer. And family members and my volunteer work, it was just something I absolutely wanted to do."

When Megan stepped up to have her head shaved at the third quarter of the game, Crystal Ann followed.

"I was so happy she stepped in to support me," said Megan, as reported by Fox.

A video posted on the NFL's website showed what the cheerleaders went through in the support of friendship and cancer research. Blue posted a photo of the cheerleaders with their bald look on his Twitter page with the caption, "Let me show you what #CHUCKSTRONG is all about! #OperationShaveMegansHead."

Pagano first received support from 25 Colt players who shaved their heads in support of his battle against cancer.

The Colts defeated the visiting Bills, 20-13, Sunday at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Tags
Indianapolis Colts, Cancer, Football, NFL.