Nate's personal message to you!
Yes, so I am totally out of my comfort zone. I can thank Pat and Tracy for that! I have volunteered to help run our own St. Baldricks event! For those who don't know, this volunteer-driven charity funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. Without the help of the Sorges, I probably would not have stepped outside my comfort zone (after all, it's warm and cozy here).
Probably most anyone reading this message has been touched one way or another by cancer (I refuse to capitalize that word as it doesn't deserve it). I know I have, as my dad and mom , best friend, and neighbor passed too early after difficult and courageous battles with cancer. And if that isn't enough, my brave little niece Sally (besides being the cutest girl ever) is also fighting her battle. I'd really like to say we are all fighting it with her, and we are in spirit. But I'm not the one walking around with a port-o-cath in me. I'm not the one losing my hair. Oh wait, yes I am but that's different, I'm not a 12 year old girl. (Sorry, I laugh to keep from crying) I'm also not the one getting just as sick from the treatment as the disease. After being diagnosed with osteocarcoma she has gone through too many procedures including chemotherapy and bone removal. She has seen more procedures than most of will see in a lifetime, yet she's only 12. And just recently we've found that after a two year hiatus, it's back. It's bad enough to lose a parent, friend, or adult neighbor to cancer. To see them struggle with the disease makes no sense. But a child, it will make one rethink the existence of God. It will make anyone, even the most devout, question why. (and even the not so devout) So, I ask for your support! I plan to volunteer my time and help organize this event in the best way I can. I'll even grow whatever hair I have so I can have it shaved. (Have you seen the head of hair I have? Me neither! ba ta boom! Tip your waitressess, enjoy a pepper steak!)
But most importantly, when I ask for your support, I'm really asking you to support these kids.
Thank you!
And for anyone who may have a concern with my current lack of hair, here is a special message for you. As of now, I plan to start growing my hair during Spring Break. We'll see how it goes. But to make it worth your while, I will also pledge that for every $10 donated in my name I will run a mile. Just send me a note or email and I will reply back when I put the miles down on pavement. I'll have it on my GPS so there's no cheating and no reason not to donate to my team! I hope I am very tired by the end of the summer. Please, turn me into Forrest Gump.
Nate