Last year, two of my friends signed up for this event and I attended to show my support... little did I know I was going to become a “shavee.”myself. A little about me: I’ve basically grown up in an extended family environment – my cousins have never lived more than a 15 minute drive away. You can say that our family is a bit skewed towards the “y chromosome” – i.e. my mom & aunt were stuck with my dad, my uncle, and 4 boys. They occasionally used to dress us up as girls- no really, I unfortunately have pictures. So before St. Baldrick's, the last time I shaved my head was circa 1995 at the age of 12, under the parental belief of having my hair grow back “thicker and better for the future.” My three older brothers were shaving their heads, so to me, it was also the cool thing to do. That was when I learned that the saying “Parents always know best” does not necessarily hold true in all circumstances, because being the youngest of the Patel Men, I now see what the future has in store…sorry guys, but it’s the truth. Patel Men have not been graced with the thick locks of George Clooney or Shah Rukh Khan; as we age, we can expect to have the hair (or lack there of) of Danny DeVito or Anupam Kher (the dad from DDLJ). Since it is inevitable, I am choosing to embrace this future in a specific way... Last year, my friend Seema formed a team to raise awareness and money while at the same time honoring niece (I had the chance to meet her, and she was absolutely adorable). The night before the event, during my routine facebook stalking, she mentioned being short of her goal, so I pulled out my credit card and donated to help her our. But, it wasn’t until I saw her waiting in line to get up on that stage that it hit me- O-M-G…Seema is shaving her head!!– it’s not everyday you see a girl walking around with a shaved head. I turned to two of my friends and said, “I want to shave my head… to help Seema reach her goal” and within seconds Molly and Rina handed me $100 and said “we support you.” After 10 minutes and many texts, emails and fb posts, I was on stage getting my head shaved. I am happy to say Seema reached her goal! It doesn't take a deep, personal tie to this cause to see the type of a difference anyone can make. What I saw at this event last year was eye-opening -- family, friends, and strangers came together to cheer on and support a truly remarkable cause. I went from being a "shavee” last year to help a friend reach her goal, to being a “shavee” this year with a goal of my own. I ask for your help in my endeavor and will truly appreciate ANY amount. Thank you for your support! Also, once I’m bald, please don’t rub my head – it hurts! Thanks!