This year marks my 12th campaign and returning again is my son, Josh, joining me for a 3rd time** in a barber's chair. Where else can you see and support a rugged father and son combo shave their heads in solidarity of children who lose their hair during cancer treatment and the St. Baldrick's foundation? This continues to be a rare experience even for St. Baldrick's events.
At home the daily adventurers continue in the Pedretti household as Michelle and I try to keep up with Josh and Katie in 1st Grade. Unfortunately not every family can say the same and my campaign continues to honor Aiden Delaney. At just 20 months old, Aiden was diagnosed with high risk, stage 3 cancer at the end of June 2014. He suffered from a condition called Neuroblastoma, which presented as a malignant tumor the size of a fist in his abdomen.
After Aiden completed 6 rounds of chemotherapy, tumor excision surgery, and a stem cell transplant at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, he suffered a seizure on the morning of Sunday, February 22, 2015. An MRI confirmed he had developed 3 new tumors in his brain. One of those had burst and he sustained bleeding to which he was not able to recover. His physicians were able to sustain him long enough for all family members to say goodbye. Aiden died peacefully as both his parents laid beside him.
As tragic as Aiden's story is, we are not held back by our grief. We are embolden that no child or family should suffer or be held to this fate. I am honoring my campaign and support as a memorial of Aiden as we move forward.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation makes grants to research organizations that include a commitment to financial responsibility and emphasis on research. Their research grants help fill funding gaps at medical institutions where children are treated for cancer, ensuring care for every child. In addition, St. Baldrick’s Fellowships enable promising new doctors the means to pursue pediatric cancer research as a career.
Please join my family and I at Fado Irish Pub in Chicago on Friday, March 13, 2020 as my head is shaved in support of this cause and donate to their mission of raising awareness and funds to cure kids' cancer by clicking on the Donate button here.
You may also use the print form or toll-free 888 phone number to donate.
Chicago area recipients...
* Northwestern University affiliated with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
* The University of Chicago affiliated with Comer Children's Hospital
* University of Illinois - Chicago affiliated with University Of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
* Rush University Medical Center
Your money is important. See where and how it is put to use here...
http://www.stbaldricks.org/grants-search/grantPeriod/current/city/Chicago/country/US/page/1/
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Slàinte!
** Tentative in the form of the whim of a 7-year old. While we're confident he'll follow through again based on our experience the past 2 events, he could change his mind around the bar crowd and needs your support.
