Although I will be thinking about all of the kids who have faced or currently facing cancer, I will be dedicating my shaving on Friday to a friend who left this world WAY too soon.
Andre Colletti was not only the kind, exuberant brother of my best friend Nick Colletti but also a great friend. Andre may have been younger, but during the times we spent playing in the neighborhood, he was always eager to play like one of the older kids. That's because Andre was tough, hard-working as well. And it certainly showed in his incredible swimming abilities. The thing I will always remember about Andre is that he always looked happy. Whenever you saw Andre, he always had the biggest smile on his face, and no matter how you were feeling, you always seemed to find yourself smiling back.
Andre was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia a few years ago as a young teenager. The news I think was a shock to everyone as to how something like this could ever happen to such an outstanding kid like Andre. I know Andre battled his leukemia with every ounce of toughness he had, but ultimately his fight was too big to overcome. For me, I wish we could have shared in the experience of being cancer survivors together. While Andre may no longer be with us, he most certainly will never be forgotten.
This is why St. Baldrick's Foundation needs all the support it can get. No child should ever have to take on such a difficult task of battling cancer like Andre and tens of thousands of kids that continue todo every day. Please consider donating and taking part in finding a much needed cure!
