Our family was shaken up last fall when we had a scare with our daughter Hannah. She had been feeling ill for a few weeks with fever, night sweats and an enlarged inguinal lymph node. She was seen several times at the student health center. Her mononucleosis (mono) test was negative. When we consulted with the oncologist at Lurie Children's Hospital she asked for Hannah to come home emergently from her college in New York for a possible biopsy. We flew her home right away and went to the hospital the next morning. After an initial blood exam was evaluated we were told that it looked very concerning for lymphoma, and possibly the even worse diagnosis of leukemia. Yet we held out hope that it might still be mono. We were told to come back later in the day for the results of a blood test that would show us whether she had leukemia. We spent the day in terror for our child, thinking about what the next few years might be like. When we came back upstairs in the elevator I noticed for the first time that the Lurie Children's Cancer Clinic is on the 18th floor and I thought it was a good sign (18 is a lucky number based on the Hebrew word for "life"). After sitting a bit longer in the waiting room, the doctor called us back to tell us it wasn't leukemia. We all hugged. We decided to hold off on the biopsy until the repeat mono test came back the next day. The following evening we got the call from the oncologist who said "I don't get to make this call very often, but she has an unusual presentation of mono." Our prayers had been answered. We knew we dodged a bullet, or perhaps a mortar, a bomb, or even a nuclear missile.

But I know that many, many others aren't so fortunate, and for that reason I wanted to do something. A few days later at our village board meeting I told Chief Kreis of the Vernon Hills Police Department that the next time he shaves his head for the St. Baldrick's fundraiser to fight childhood cancer I want to join him. That day has come. On Monday, March 22nd, 2021 (coincidentally Hannah's 20th birthday) I'll be shaving my head to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.

For all my friends who'll say "you don't have any hair to shave" (you know who you are :) just donate ½...OK 1/8th as much. NO... DONATE DOUBLE, and be thankful your kids don't have cancer and you have your hair you cheap bastards :).