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

What started the weekend of the Version 8 Suncoast Upgrade has turned into an annual tradition (nay, expectation)- the weather gets warmer and Elissa gets balder.  It's all for a good cause- Childhood Cancer Research.  

A challenge among friends 25 years ago has become the largest volunteer movement to Conquer Kids’ Cancer. This year, I’m joining thousands of others to shave my head to raise money for childhood cancer research! Additionally, I get the added bonus of making my mother groan like Marge Simpson, and roll her eyes every time she sees me until early fall.  

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

Each shaved head, every dollar donated, creates a ripple effect of progress for kids with cancer.  Honestly, are you going to say "no" to raising money for adorable children with cancer?  Are you my mother? 

Your gift will give kids and their families hope, supporting the best research across the country, through the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.  Your gift also gives me the chance to legitimately shave this mop off my skull and for which I am eternally grateful.  Please, give till it hurts.  

Together, let’s give these kids the lifetime they deserve. Thank you for your support!