For the 11th straight year, I am shaving my head for the St. Baldricks foundation to help raise the funds that are critical childhood cancer research grants. I am also shaving my head in solidarity for those battling cancer, to pay tribute to those who have beaten cancer, to honor the families of those effected by cancer, and in memory of those who were taken from us by this awful disease.
Personally, I am shaving my head for my father, who for over 20 years has worked as a pediatric oncologist for the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. There he has also served as director of hematology and oncology, contributed to the research into new ways to treat and cure childhood cancer. My dad has touched the lives of many children and their families. He has been there as his patients have gone through remission and have lived long lives beyond their cancer diagnosis. Some have even grown up to become pediatric oncologists just like him. On the other end, he has seen too many children’s lives taken from cancer, and has attended way too many funerals of those lives he could not save.
My dad is exposed to cancer daily, but has been able to shield his family from the pain and suffering that this causes. I can’t imagine losing a family member to cancer, and I know that there are many out there who have lost their lives to cancer and loved ones who do not get the time with them, as I am so fortunate to get with my family.
Cancer affects us all, and we all can do our part to increase the survival rate of children diagnosed with cancer. Please show your support by making a donation to St. Baldricks and on my head. Together we can make a difference. Together we can save lives.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank you
