Sitting middle school orientation, I had no premonition that before Christmas, my life would be forever changed. Everyone was new to me, having come from a school across town. I did not realize that there were many students in the same boat. One of the students was noticeably smaller than the rest of us and I assumed he was one of those "boy genius" kids who had probably skipped a few grades. He looked like the kind of kid you see in commercials on tv: not particularly good-looking, but he had that chubby face that moms love. His name was Josh and although I had stereotyped him, I found myself liking him. Everyone liked him. Josh was not younger than the rest of us: he had cancer. He had never been treated delicately. In fact, he was a BMX rider, a snow skier and a soccer player. He was also smart, funny and nice. He wobbled down the hall and had a crazy dance that he did every day on the morning show. Josh loved the Chumba Wumba song that says,” I get knocked down, but I get back up." That song would come to define him. By Fall, he was sick again, and we learned that he was no longer in "remission": a word I would come to include in every prayer. Although Josh still entertained us and refused to allow us to feel sorry for him, his dance was a little less enthusiastic and we knew he was I pain. By Halloween, he told us he had to go for treatment in Nebraska but that he would be fine and back to us before we knew it, and because we wanted to, we believed him. In November, he died. We were sad, angry and somehow, we were no longer little kids. Josh's parents had bracelets made that said, "I get knocked down, but I get back up again," with his name on them. 7 years later, I still keep that bracelet next to my bed because it glows in the dark and makes me feel like his light has never really gone out. It is a comfort to wake up in the middle of the night and see Josh's bracelet, glowing on my desk. As I experience college life, I take Josh's inspiration with me. I embrace the academic, athletic and social experiences that are offered and contribute all I can: for myself and for that kid that glows in the dark. I'm having my head shaved to stand in solidarity with kids who are currently or have previously fought 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. Click "Make a donation" to give online, or donate by phone or mail. Any and every donation is appreciated.