Friends, family, co-workers, interested strangers- I almost took an easy out this year and skipped this event, thinking "it's been an especially busy 2009, I can always do it next year, and there are plenty of other people involved." Two specific things that contributed to that thinking were the economic situation affecting all of us in some way, and the fact that me shaving my head perhaps isn't *that* interesting anymore. As I type this I realize how VERY sad that would have been for me and how I would have regretted not doing it. 2008 was an awesome year for me, my wife and our 3 kids! We were - and remain - busy wih the hectic things I'm sure we all have in our lives ---- work, home up-keep, travel and, mostly, kids' activities as they get older, have more things to do and continue to press on toward becoming adults. What an awesome - and basically easy - life we have! Many families have another huge concern: a sick child. Oh how I can't imagine what that would be like, and don't know how I'd deal with it. My parents' first child died from cancer. (You can read more about Karen on the Child Honoree page.) She passed before I was even born, but the very idea of that life and the impact on my, no, our parents often makes me mentally pause and think about what is good and what is important. St. Baldrick's raises money to support research fellowships, and raises awareness to show support of those dealing with childhood cancer first hand. (You can read more details about it elsewhere on the website.) The money raised goes to do great work, and the experience of shaving one's head and meeting those going through it FOR REAL is not one you can forget. Thus I am SO jazzed to be involved again!! And, if you're able, I hope you'll support me again this year by donating and/or attending the event. I promise you'll be glad you did. -Bill