I would like to tell everyone that I have decided to participate in St. Baldric's this year to honor my fellow student Patrick McNamara, who is the older brother of one of my classmates. All four years that I have attended St. Barnabas School I have been deeply affected by Patrick McNamara. Even though he struggled with a brain tumor his whole life he gave the entire school and community such positive and wonderful energy. It was contagious. He always smiled, went to school even when he was not feeling that great, loved pizza, his friends, family, and the Cubs! (Always pulling for the underdog!)a very difficult thing to do when you are a kid from the South Side of Chicago. It is just one example out of many that shows Pat's loyalties. I could not think of a better way than to honor Patrick McNamara than to raise money to help other children with brain tumors. He is deeply missed yet still such a presence in our school and our hearts. Not a day goes by when we all don't think of Pat Mac. He is an example of bravery, perseverance, kindness, strength, and love. I've answered the call to be a hero! I'm having my head shaved to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer, but more importantly, to raise money to find cures.

Please support me with a donation to the St. Baldrick's Foundation. This volunteer-driven charity funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government.

Your gift will give hope to infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers. So when I ask for your support, I'm really asking you to support these kids. Thank you!

Click "Make a donation" to give online, or donate by phone or mail.