Hi all,
This March 22nd, I will be shaving my head for the 10th year to raise money for St Baldrick’s in their fight against childhood cancers. To this point I (completely because of all of you) have raised over $13.5K. And this one St Baldrick’s event has raised over 1 million dollars in the 11 years since we started. I have spoken to people who have directly benefited from St. Baldrick’s and if you ever get the chance to, you will know how important this charity is for helping these families who are affected by cancer, and just how much this charity does.
Many of you know the story, of how 10 years ago, my friend Mike Van Aken who asked nothing of anyone while he fought cancer, asked me to join him and St Baldrick’s and shave my head to raise money for this all-important cause. You probably also know how my first answer was “no way” based purely from a vanity perspective. Over the past 10 year, while Mike has been one of the largest torchbearers for this cause, I have continued to help, but each year as the ask got harder and harder, I have often thought “this is the last year I do this”.
It is with great sadness that I tell you that my friend Mike’s cancer returned and that the he has recently passed. He was the best of all of us and his passing has left a hole in the heart of all who knew him. To honor him, while feeling utterly helpless, I am doing the only thing I can and will once again be shaving my head for St Baldrick’s. This is me doing the only thing I can to Stand Up to this disease, it’s my middle finger to cancer.
Please help if you can. I am setting a very aggressive goal this year attempting to raise $2000. You may get multiple asks (as I think this will be an aggressive ask). If you can’t give, I completely understand, I know so many of you are so generous and already give so much. Anything you can do is appreciated. If you do decide to donate, you will be asked if you would like to donate in the name of someone (bottom left hand side of the donation page). Please feel free to enter any name you want, but if do not have someone who you would like to donate on behalf of, I would greatly appreciate it if you could enter “in honor of Mike Van Aken”.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you all!!
Ed