Why am I shaving my head, and why should you care?

When my stepbrother, Brett Ruiz, was 12, our world turned upside down. Cancer entered our lives with a diagnosis that none of us were prepared for, and from that moment on, everything changed. The next four years were a painful journey- plane flights, chemo treatments, tests, and an endless cycle of hope and heartache. Brett fought hard, but at just 16 years old, we lost him. I often think about the life he never got to live, how he never had the chance to grow up with my stepsister and me. The pain of his loss still lingers for us, his parents, my stepsister, and everyone who loved him. Even though I only knew Brett for four short years, he was my big brother, and I still wonder what his life would have been like—what our lives could have been like together as adults. Cancer is cruel and indiscriminate, taking so much from so many. That’s why, with this fundraiser, I’m hoping to contribute in a small way to childhood cancer research, giving other kids a chance at a longer, healthier, cancer-free life.

This year, I’m joining thousands of others to shave my head and raise money for childhood cancer research.

Did you know that 1 in 5 kids diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. won’t survive? And for those who do, more than 96% face severe or life-threatening conditions by the time they reach 50.

Each shaved head, every dollar donated, creates a ripple effect of progress for kids with cancer. Your support brings hope to families and backs the best research across the country through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants.

Together, we can give these kids the future they deserve. Thank you for your support!