December 1967, was the last full month my family had of normalcy.
It marked the last full month:
~ of my FIRSTS before cancer.
~ of the beginning of the end of my innocence.
~ of living in the shadow of ignorance.
~ that cancer wasn't just some taboo word; but instead, a monster that lived inside of me.
~ when my parents could still map out my future. Thinking about all the endless possibilities and believing without a doubt I would be able to do everything they ever dreamed for me.
On January 22nd 1968 at a mere 8 1/2 Months of Age, I became 'THAT KID!' THAT KID diagnosed with cancer. THAT KID whose parents learned their baby may never grow up. THAT KID who was deemed most likely terminal and wasn't expected to even see in their 1st Birthday. THAT KID who has never been an odd, a percentage, or a statistic! THAT KID who grew up and has now given her voice over to ALL THE KIDS & FAMILIES!!
2018 marks my 9th Year Shaving (2010 - 2018 as one of the 46 Mommas Shave for the Brave) AND also my 50/50 Year!! For me, January 22nd 2018 marks 50 YEARS Post Diagnosis of Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma while still 50 YEARS OF AGE!!!! THIS is the outcome I want for all the kids who have been, are being, or will be thrust into the crazy rollercoaster journey that Childhood cancer is!! While I am shaving my head in honor of my own 50 Year Milestone Mark, I'll be carrying every child & every family with me; because all of you are forever a part of me.
I'm shaving my head because these children all deserve so much more and so much better. They truly deserve to receive cutting edge treatments that are less invasive and less toxic to their still developing minds and bodies. They deserve a chance to GROW UP! I can help make that possible, YOU can help make that possible; and together, WE CAN MAKE THIS DOABLE! #TheirFightIsForeverOurFightToo