Hi! I'm Valerie Dumas and I'm going to be shaving heads at this year's St. Baldrick's event! If you've sat in my chair for any given amount of time, you probably know why this event is so important to me, but for those who don't, here goes.
My older sister Kristy is now 39 years old and has been in remission for 22 or 23 years. I start with this because it is the best part of the story and should be celebrated everyday! When Kristy was 3, she was diagnosed with leukemia. She went thru radiation and chemo and was a bubbly bald beautiful little girl. I mean, so I'm told, because I wasn't around yet. When Kristy was 15, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoblastic lymphoma. So, again, she endured months in the hospital, chemo, radiation and this time a bone marrow transplant as well. In fact, she was the first pediatric bone marrow transplant in the state.
Looking back, I was so naive, I had no idea the gravity of my sister's situation. I didn't realize what that trip to Disney world given to us by the Make-a-Wish foundation meant. I don't know how our parents kept their sanity. I do know that I am utterly thankful for all the doctors and nurses who cared for my sister, I know I thank God for whoever invented the medicines and treatments that saved my sister's life, twice, and most importantly, I am able to say my sister is now 39 years old, living a happy life, and for that, I ask you to help me give back to this amazing cause.
Please support me with a donation to the St. Baldrick's Foundation.
