My story is definitely different from that of the rest of the Mommas. First of all, my learning about Childhood cancer began far before I could really even process every bit of input. I was diagnosed on January 22 1968 with Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma at just 8 1/2 Months of Age. That’s when my learning began, when the process of knowledge began. Though I really couldn’t comprehend all that was going on, like many children I understood the basic need for doing what was necessary. I first had surgery to remove my Right Kidney and a 2 1/2 pound tumor the size of a big man's fist; this was followed by chemotherapy to dissolve what remained of the cancer on my Left Kidney and the outer lining of my Stomach. Chemo consisted of 250 Shots directly into the backs of both my hands, so when I saw my Oncology Doc I automatically raised my little hand up to him in anticipation of shots. I didn’t understand or comprehend why, only that I was getting shots and he needed my hand.

I’m not AJ’s Momma; but if it hadn’t been for AJ and his Dad Bob, I wouldn’t have found that much needed platform where I could raise my voice & shout Awareness from the rooftops! AJ gave me wings to fly. He inspired me to do whatever I could to make a difference and ever since that time, I’ve done exactly that. I began flying to different places, speaking publicly to large groups of people, meeting people who aside from the internet I’ve never met or spoken with before; and in so doing, I’ve gained a family like no other. I found myself surrounded by people who understand without my having to explain. Thanks to AJ and his Dad Bob, I have become a hardcore Advocate and given my voice over to all the kids & families who have ever had to step foot on the battlefield called Childhood cancer.

As one of the 46 Mommas Shave for the Brave, in 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013, I got my head shaved. In January 2014, I marked 46 YEARS post diagnosis of Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma and I’m ready to stand in solidarity with all the kids in the battle against Childhood cancer again! Shave away!!

I may never have gotten the opportunity to meet you, AJ; but I am so thankful I’ve been given the chance and opportunity to KNOW you. Thank you so much, buddy; I owe you more than you will ever know!!

I'm shaving my head to raise money for childhood cancer research! Did you know that kids' cancers are different from adult cancers? It's true. And childhood cancer research is extremely underfunded. So I decided to do something about it by raising money for cures.

Now I need your help! Will you make a donation? Every dollar makes a difference for the thousands of infants, children, teens, and young adults fighting childhood cancers.