A few years ago I got a call from an old college friend and roommate, who I had not spoken to in several years. (Life had gotten in the way, and we lost touch.) Jesse told me that he was in Syracuse as his 4 year old son Noah had been diagnosed with cancer, and they were seeking treatment. I had never met Jesse's wife or kids, but I immediately wanted to offer help, support, whatever his family needed. I was a new dad at this time, and could only imagine the emotions and stress his family was going through. I have seen too many adults suffer and die from various forms of cancer, and the thought of watching any child go through this pains me even more. Noah was resilient and determined, and he fought his cancer hard. He is now cancer free. He really is an inspirational kid, and I am glad I have gotten to know him and his family a bit better. I am also grateful for reconnecting with an old friend despite the bad news that brought us back together.

In a world that often seems divided by politics, religion, race, geography and just general opinion, I think we can all agree that innocent kids should not have to suffer with cancer, or die before they experience all that life has to offer them.

Please donate anything you can to help fund the research that will help more kids be like Noah and beat the odds. As a bonus you will get to see me lose my shaggy hippie comb-over hair style.