I'm shaving my head to raise money to fund childhood cancer research! Childhood cancers are different from adult cancers, & thus require different research & cures. The sad part is that childhood cancer research is majorly underfunded. I am joining this crusade by becoming a "shavee" (aka getting my head completely shaved). I am helping raise the money necessary to ensure every child with cancer becomes cancer-free.
I have already begun spreading the word. Many people have given me amazing responses & have encouraged me. Others have their doubts. Once & for all, I would like to clarify why I am doing this. It all started when I met a young girl named Cassandra Steinle. She herself was a childhood cancer survivor (neuroblastoma). Later on, she developed a severe lung disease that left her with an oxygen tank & a wheelchair. Despite all this, Cassandra was one of the most adorable, selfless, loving, compassionate, & talented young ladies I have ever met (plus, she had a wicked fashion sense!). She participated in St. Baldrick's last year. Sadly, she passed away in Nov. 2013. I’m very proud to say she was my very good friend. I am participating as a way to honor her & her legacy. On top of this, I know many others who have overcome cancer (like my first & only piano teacher Mrs. Egland) or have passed away because of cancer (like my paternal grandmother Arlene Stevens). I see being a shavee as a small way to honor their memories & show that cancer is not the end. Whether a cancer patient becomes a cancer survivor or passes away, they can have hope, peace, strength, & perseverance. They can impact their circle of family & friends, their community, & even multiple states! Cancer should not drive someone to depression, isolation, & helplessness; rather, it should draw us closer together, teach us amazing qualities, & show us God’s love, mercy, & healing (not just physical healing but also mental & emotional healing).
The last part of my exciting endeavor is YOU! Consider sponsoring me or, in other words, betting on my head (or hair, whichever way you look at it). Don't feel pressured to give. And, if you do give, don't worry about looking good, getting God-brownie points (yeah… those don't actually exist), or ensuring I reach my goal (which is $1,000 BTW). Give from your heart. As I see it, if I can get 45 people to donate $20 each, I will undoubtedly reach my goal. If you can’t give, at least pray. Pray that plenty of money is raised, children (& adults) with cancer have the hope, strength, & peace only God can give, & the research is successful.
If you give, pray, &/or just simply check out my page, I want to thank you. I am blessed in that I have never had to personally face cancer but I know how frustrating, enraging, & self-defeating having a serious illness can be. My prayer is that I can go bald for a short while to help impact multiple someone’s’ lives for a long while.
Cancer is not the end. One day, it will be cured, whether on earth or in heaven. There is always hope! <3
