I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am to be participating in this year's St. Baldrick's event. I have been growing my hair out for about 1.5 years with the intention of donating to Locks of Love, but the opportunity to also take part in such a profoundly great cause was too much to pass up, and now I get to do both!

Cancer is never a good thing, but childhood cancer is especially heart-breaking. These kids had to interrupt the years when they should be playing and having fun so that they could fight a disease. Some children lost that fight, and never had the chance at life which you and me take for granted all too often. Parents have lost children. Siblings have lost brothers and sisters. Friends have lost companions.

I say "fight," because as you read the stories and testimonials of those affected, you soon realize that none of them ever gave up on life. Whether the story ends with tragedy or triumph, they were able to keep a positive outlook. It can never be said that a child deserved cancer. Life just dealt them an extremely unfair hand, but you would never know that based on their attitude. I find myself in constant awe of the bravery shown by these kids, because I cannot say with absolute honesty that I would not just throw in the towel if I were in a similar situation.

I encourage you to look around the site and read the stories. If you are anything like me, you may need to do it only in small amounts because of the tears, but you quickly gain a whole new appreciation of the old cliche: "Life is precious."

As I mentioned before, I am very happy to taking part in this wonderful event. However, I need your help to really make it a success. and you could not ask for a better cause to donate towards. Every little bit helps and it is a donation that you can feel proud of. Plus you get to see me bald, and that has got to be worth a couple of bucks.

If somehow the satisfaction of helping children, and getting to see me bald isn't enough of a motivation, think of it this way: you would be donating to the cause of me finally getting a damn haircut...

Note: If anyone was wanting to come out and watch me lose my hair, I will actually be taking part in a preliminary event on Friday March 9th at 6 p.m. The location is still Fado Irish Pub.