I am shaving my head on March, 31 2012 at the UT Shave For A Cure: St. Baldrick’s event. Let the shock settle in, but yes, I am shaving my 12 inches of hair for pediatric cancer research.

You may wonder what caused me to make such a decision. My freshman year of college I joined a wonderful oncology volunteer organization on campus called S.M.I.L.E. (Students Making Impact Through Love and Empathy). I enjoyed weekly volunteering with kids going through cancer treatment. Seeing how happy they were despite the treatments they had to endure made me realize how important it is to make these kids feel like any other kid. The act of shaving my head for these kids is a sign of empathy, to prove that hair is not as important as many think. Not only do I think of the kids, but for my two aunts who have gone through cancer treatment. I feel fortunate because I have not lost a loved one to cancer. This is for them, too. My younger brother, Noah, also serves as an inspiration. Without him, I would have not learned my love for kids, and the thought of losing a loved one like him pushes me to this goal. Moved by my president, Sofia Buitrago, and the many others who will shave their heads, I’ve decided to join the cause with a fundraising goal of $2,000 to donate toward pediatric cancer research. Our overall university goal is a whopping $20,000 toward this initiative (We’ve already hit $7,000!). My dad and two of my closest friends are even shaving their heads with me, so the experience is going to be great!

Help me do something great for the kids by donating! All of the money raised goes the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which allocates the money to deserving pediatric cancer research institutions. I have been so involved with the pediatric oncology clinic and want to do more for those children. Please help me raise money so one day there will be a cure for pediatric cancer! It’s FOR THE KIDS!