So it’s that time of year again, when we shave our heads for a really good cause – St. Baldrick's, an organization committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. We are honoring our friend's niece, 8-year-old Jersey Barfels, who was diagnosed with Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma) in October 2011. We also continue to remember Ariana Samaras, who passed away on January 3rd, 2007, from an incurable diffuse pontain glioma brain tumor at the age of 4. We're starting early this year in hope of raising even more money than we did last year when $16,728 was raised by the Naked Noggins. Here are a couple of reasons why we have chosen the St. Baldrick's Foundation as the major recipient of our charitable giving: -In the past decade, St Baldrick's funding has made a powerful impact, including contributing to five major childhood cancer research accomplishments: a new cure for neuroblastoma; an improved cure rate for a common type of childhood cancer; raising the cure rate from 20% to 70% for a rare type of childhood leukemia; accelerating scientific discovery for rare cancers; and training the next generation of childhood cancer researchers. -"I consider St. Baldrick's the most forward looking and robust philanthropic foundation for childhood cancer," said Crystal Mackall, M.D., National Cancer Institute. -"Without the support of St. Baldrick's, the challenge of doing research across this country would be almost impossible," said Peter C. Adamson, M.D., Chair of the Children's Oncology Group -This volunteer-driven charity funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U. S. government -Of each dollar raised, 82% goes directly to fund childhood cancer research, 16% goes to fundraising efforts, and only 2% goes to management and general administrative expenses Well, there are 2 ways you can help. The first is by making a donation. The link below will bring you to my page in the St. Baldrick’s website, where you can make a very worth-while donation. The second and even better way to help is by actually joining our team, Naked Noggins, and getting your head shaved too. Hopefully, by joining our team, you will be able to get your friends and family to donate, or even participate. And by showing up on Friday March 15th, you will, in all likelihood help the cause, as a percentage of all food and beverage sales on the day are donated to St. Baldrick’s.