Seven years ago, I tagged along with friends for an afternoon of beer drinking in a pub with a bunch of firefighters. And, oh yeah they were going to shave their heads to raise money for something called St. Baldrick's. It was the middle of March so aside from watching basketball, what else would I do on a Sunday afternoon? Besides it was a pub, surely the TVs in there would be tuned to the tourney.
Little did I know that a family would be there to express their gratitude for the fund-raising efforts. You see, their little boy Joey was a victim of cancer. If I'd know this would take place, I probably would not have gone. The last thing I wanted to do was cry in public.
There was a silver lining, Joey was in remission. He was such a joy to meet. He mingled with the crowd, collected cash donations, thanked volunteers, and even helped shave heads. I was smitten. I decided I would get involved and the next year I would shave my head.
I told my family about my experience. My brother, daughter and son-in-law decided to shave at the 2011 event. I chickened out and didn't sign up. On the big day, we learned that Joey's cancer had returned. We learned of the horrible things he endured to fight his way into remission again. I vowed that in 2012 I would sign up and raise funds to fight this plague.
On March 25th 2012, I shaved my head for the first time to raise as much money as I could to fight for Joey and all of the others. Unfortunately, Joey lost his battle but the fight continues. There are so many others in this war
Please help me to honor the toughest and bravest kids in the world as I shave again this year.
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Thank you and God bless.
