Dear friends and family,
I have decided to completely shave my head this October as a part of the St. Baldrick's event at UIC where I am a Junior in the Nursing College. St. Baldrick's is an organization that raises money for pediatric cancer research through these events. They also allow me to choose an organization to donate my hair to, making a wig for someone going through cancer treatment. This cause is more near and dear to my heart now than ever before.
As some of you may know, my sister Anna was recently diagnosed with Follicular Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Anna will be going through chemotherapy for the next 5 months to fight her cancer. Anna has honestly remained incredibly strong, brave, and positive through this challenging situation and I admire her more than I could ever put into words. I am not afraid to admit how hard and scary this is, especially as I deal with it from 1,010 miles away.
I do not know the emotional or physical pain anyone who has cancer is going through, but I know how hard it is to love someone going through that battle, especially when you don't know how exactly to help. By shaving my head, I will stand with those who lose their hair through cancer treatments, and from a distance I will be able to stand with my sister as she continues her treatment. I will join them as I learn the reality of being bald. I am so thankful for the love and support, and know that I will be proud to stand up against any stares or whispers. I will be able to speak up and tell people I am proud of my shaved head, the money I raised, the wig that my hair made, and most of all- my sister who is the bravest person I know.
I ask those who are in the position to do so, please consider donating on my behalf and in honor of Anna to help Children's Cancer Research through St. Baldrick's. St Baldrick's is an amazing organization which I have done a lot of research on, and am very excited to work with and get more involved with.
I hope that by pledging to shave my head for this event, I can raise awareness and money for a type of cancer that is currently underfunded and under-researched, and that my hair can be used by someone who needs it more than I do. Thank you for helping me shine a light on a group that does such important work, and for your support - moral or financial, which helps me honor and feel more connected to Anna.
Again, thank you very much for taking the time to read this and for your support, however it comes.
