This is my third year participating in this event but it’s the first year I have had a personal relationship with a family member of a young child that is battling this disease. I have the great pleasure of shaving my head in honor of 9 month old William Relyea. After months of testing and numerous doctors, William was admitted to Golisano Children’s Hospital and diagnosed with stage 3 neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that develops from nerve tissue. It occurs in infants and children and can arise in many areas of the body. It develops from the tissues that form the sympathetic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that controls body functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure, digestion, and levels of certain hormones). Upon discharge from Golisano C.H. on 12/17/09, his parents took him directly to Sloan-Kettering in NYC to be evaluated. He began chemotherapy treatment on Dec. 23, 2009, had a 7.5 hour surgery on 2/19/10 to remove a tumor, was released form the ICU on 3/2/10, and just yesterday I received word that William was on his way back home to Clay NY!!!! He has a long road ahead but with his family’s love and support, William will continue to heal and progress. Children like William are the reason I continue to participate in this event….but don’t worry, I’m not asking you to shave your head; I’m only asking for your help and support. By donating you’re supporting children like William and helping me reach my fund raising goals for this great cause. If you would like to donate you can select one of the links below; all donations are tax deductible.