People often asked me how I got involved with St. Baldrick's.  Here's my story:

One day my healthy 9 year old came to me and said "When it's my turn for my make-a-wish, I want to go to Paris."  To which I responded, "What?"

"Ethan had a make-a-wish, Carly had a make-a-wish, and Robert had a make-a-wish, so when I get cancer, I want to go to Paris."  At 9 years old, my daughter knew three kids in a district of 500 students who were battling different types of Pediatric Cancer, and my child felt like a sitting duck.

Talk about a sucker punch to the gut.

It was at that moment that I realized that I had to do something positive to illicit change. 

Ethan & Robert were the foundation of my involvement with The St. Baldrick's Foundation, but through my advocacy, I have connected with so many other amazing families who have fought their own battles, like Dominic Liples & Molly Worner. There are success stories, like Mel & Carly, but not nearly enough.

Every 2 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer. It's not right, it's not fair, but it's a fact.  What's also troubling is many types of Pediatric Cancer have no known cure. That's different than incurable.  It means that a cure is possible, but they  just don't have it YET.  

That is why research is so important. Without research, there will never be a cure. I have personally had too many friends told by their doctors: "go home and make your child comfortable, I'm sorry there's nothing else we can do".  

No parent (or child) should ever have to hear those words.

Please consider attending our event, sponsoring a shavee, or making a donation.  Our community thanks you.

XOXO-

L