As many of you are aware, I am battling Stage 3 breast cancer and am recovering from a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. I am getting ready to begin the second stage of my course of treatment - chemotherapy on February 24th. Some of you may also know that my brother-in-law, Joe Erff, a Meriden firefighter, has always been heavily involved along with his company with raising funds for St. Baldrick’s Foundation. This is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding research to find cures for childhood cancers. Being a middle school teacher in Guilford has allowed me to meet some very special children in my 19 years there; some of whom have battled childhood cancers. This year, in particular, I have been overwhelmed with gratefulness for the love and support my team of 6th grade students have offered me. One of the most touching gifts I received as I was departing for my medical leave was from one of the beautiful girls in my homeroom. She simply handed me two pictures of herself, bald, from when she was fighting childhood cancer herself back in grade 1. Those pictures sit in a basket beside me daily and continue to provide inspiration as I battle breast cancer. So this year, before my hair falls out on its own, I'm shaving my head to raise money for childhood cancer research which is extremely underfunded. Thank you in advance for your support as every dollar makes a difference for the thousands of infants, children, teens, and young adults fighting childhood cancers.