Why am I shaving my head, and why should you care?

A challenge among friends 25 years ago has become the largest volunteer movement to Conquer Kids’ Cancer. This is my 12th year; I’m joining thousands of others to shave my head to raise money for childhood cancer research! 

Did you know, 1 in 5 kids diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. won’t survive? I shave and fundraise in memory of my cousin Angie, who was part of early trials in 1998 and 1999, helping make lifesaving treatments available to many young patients after her. She died just after her 21st birthday, and has now been gone longer than she lived. Both of her parents, my Aunt Diane and my Uncle Gery, are now dealing with their own cancer treatments. They think of Angie all the time, and we all believe she is keeping them strong through their ongoing cancer care.

For those children who do survive, more than 96% have severe or life-threatening conditions by the time they are 50. I also shave and fundraise in honor of Katie Flynn, who had a successful heart transplant in her 30’s after treatment in childhood for leukemia took its toll on her growing body. Katie is the daughter of a  beloved coworker. 

Each shaved head, every dollar donated, creates a ripple effect of progress for kids with cancer.

Your gift will give kids and their families hope, supporting the best research across the country, through the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

This year, my friend Jeannette Moore and I created a fundraising team. So my personal fundraising goal may look small but it is part of a bigger goal of at least $2,000. Together, let’s give these kids the lifetime they deserve. Thank you for your support!