Every year, when I tell my students about the different fundraisers I do, I always get asked, “Why do you shave your head?” for the St. Baldrick’s. I simply reply, “I do it because of MARLENE”. Several years ago at the beginning of my career, I lost one of my students, Marlene Brown, to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. That experience changed my life. Marlene an exceptional singer in the Amundsen Chorus and the driving force for the Cheerleaders. She was diagnosed in September of 1997, the beginning of her sophomore year, she was only 16 years old. We lost her in August of 1998.
The pain I felt from her loss was tremendous, but it was nothing compared to the pain her parents and family felt. Her younger sisters became my students as well, and every year, we relive those memories and emotions. Over the years, the Amundsen community has lost several students to various forms of cancer. We need to find a cure!!!
I lost several friends and family members to cancer. Each one of them had a major impact on my life. Most notably, the father-figures in my life, John O. Sr. and Arnold G. lost their battle to cancer. I watched as cancer took my brother-in-law, Bob Y. Most recently, I lost Eric M. my brother-from-another mother to brain cancer. Each of these men were very independent until shortly before their death. I keep their memory alive by telling their stories. We need to find a cure.
On March 24, 2024, I am participating in one of the St. Baldrick's event. I'm having my head shaved to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer, but more importantly, to raise money to find cures so family and friends will not have to feel the pain and sorrow associated with this disease.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation is an organization that raises money for Childhood Cancer Research. The foundation works closely with leading pediatric oncologist to determine the most promising research to fund and create funding priorities to make the greatest impact for children with cancer.
Shortly after Eric’s death, I heard a song by Will Dempsey. Below are the lyrics.
“Beat Your There”
by Will Dempsey
I don't know why, God always takes the good ones first
And man, I've tried To be strong and carry on, but damn this hurts
And I just wish that I could talk to you again somehow, someway
Even if it's for a moment so I can hear you say
Don't cry for me, I'm alright. I'm better than you know.
And this life can be a short ride. So, don't waste in on sorrow
And just hold on to those moments and the memories we shared
We're both headed for the same place anyway….
I just beat you there.
I know they say "Just give it a little time, you'll be okay"
That might be true. But, it don't really help me today
And we ain't supposed to question the man upstairs
There's just so much I don't understand. It just don't seem fair
Don't cry for me, I'm alright. I'm better than you know
And this life can be a short ride. So, don't waste it on sorrow
And just hold on those moments and the memories we shared
We're both headed for the same place anyway……..I just beat you there
And as each day goes by I get a little bit stronger
But that don't stop me from wishing you were here a little bit longer
So, I'm gonna smile when I think of you. Like I know you'd want me to
And I know you're watching over me in everything I do.
And all those things I never got to say, well, I'll send 'em with this prayer
Then look up, wipe my tears and raise my beer
And I'll see you there
And I'll see you there
