I'm shaving for year #5 because, unfortunately, we haven't beaten Children's cancer... yet!
I may have just met you last year, or we've known each other a long time and you have heard about this from me before, but it's something I care deeply about: Shaving my head to support the St. Baldrick's foundation and its quest to cure kids' cancer.
As has happened in the past, it always seems to sneak up on me with less and less notice – now it's less than 2 weeks away. Please take just a moment out of your day, and all the work and life activities that fill it, to read my note below.
I have 3 wonderful and healthy kids. (No, they are not perfect, but pretty darn close IMHO…. ;^) I find myself in a demographic that is likely similar to many reading this. We find ourselves running them around from activity to activity, obsessing about what grades they get, whether their basketball team won or not, who teased them at school, did the right person ask her out, did they all do their chores, etc. It's sounds hectic, but we would't want it any other way and, indeed, recognize that we are quite blessed.
Why? Because, thankfully, NOT on OUR list of things to stress about are my child missing school because s/he's in the hospital, my child throwing-up for days at a time because of (hopefully) life-saving medicines, my child not always able to play sports and do all the other things other kids are being rushed around to, commutes back-and-forth to the hospital while still trying to keep things sane at home, enduring the constant nagging notion that s/he may not see another birthday, my child being bald while the hairstyle of Justin Bieber is on TV every other moment --- my child having cancer.
For the past 4 years I have shaved my head as part of the St. Baldrick's Foundation, to show support for kids – and families – fighting childhood cancer. I strive to raise awareness of what others are dealing with and work to raise donations to do all the research that is necessary to fight this disease. From a personal perspective it also serves as a tangible yearly catalyst to buck up and not sweat the little stuff, and to remember a sister I never knew but as my parent's first-born surely caused them the most joy and heartache any parent can go through.
To be bald when you're an adult (well, as a guy at usually, and then there is Sinead O'Connor… ;^) is pretty typical and can even be "cool" (older folks think Telly Savalas, younger think Vinn Diesel). But when you're 13 and just recently got braces on, it's really putting yourself out there to shave your head. But that’s what my son Thomas is doing with me on March 5th.
Two years ago Thomas decided to shave his head spur-of-the-moment at the event, but I told him he had to at least walk around the establishment and ask for donations – he raised $150! Last year he signed up a bit earlier, told people why he was doing it, and raised $350. He wants to do more, and will be getting the word out to everyone he knows, not just asking for donations, but telling people his thoughts and feelings on the topic. I want to support him so I am asking folks – YOU – not to support me (well, I still LOVE hearing notes and stories that many have sent in the past), but please consider supporting HIM. You can read his own words and make a donation at the link below (I also told him he owes a "thank you" to everyone who sponsors him and/or sends a note):
http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/Thomas
Yes, I will be shaving my head then too. The event is truly a moving experience for me that I can't imagine ever missing — it's heartwarming to see so many people doing good, observe remembrances and reflections of children who have lost their battle with cancer, and take in the look of hope and appreciation by families there whose kids are fighting every day. Proof of my involvement, including a recent mug shot of me, is here:
http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/BillMay2011
I hope this note finds you well and might have helped remind you of all that is good in your life, and I wish you an awesome 2011!