On January 25, 2016, my 13 year old daughter, Lauren was diagnosed with germ cell cancer. On the 27th, she had a very large tumor removed along with her right ovary. It is a rare type of cancer (about 1% of all cancers). Lance Armstrong is a survivor of germ cell cancer. Lauren is completing 4 rounds of chemotherapy treatment to prevent the spread of this disease. We just completed round 2 and while in the hospital, she chose to shave her head as her long beautiful hair had almost all completely fallen out.
It was important to Lauren to have a t-shirt made for our family, friends and community members to wear to show their support. We committed to donating the amount above cost to an organization that we found meaningful to us and to all children fighting this disease. St. Baldrick's is the second largest contributor (second only to government funding) to provide funds for research of CHILDHOOD cancers and to focus on LESS HARMFUL treatments to cure. Childhood cancer is grossly underfunded and research has shown that 95% of kids who complete chemo will develop a chronic illness by age 45. We need something better. We like the celebratory platform St. Baldrick's stands for - it engages all community members to join the journey in a fun festival like setting, while making a huge impact in the cancer research field. It does have some Irish roots, which we think is fun, too but also - even though it is a large organization - grant money does go back to our hospital (Dell Children's) for research and development purposes. Please take a minute to read more about St. Baldrick's Foundation here!
While we aren't asking you to shave your head in support, we would love for you to join us at Dell Children's Medical Center on Saturday, March 19th from 10:00 - 2:00 for the St. Baldrick's festival in Austin. There will be live music, food, games and miniature horses (um..ok!). Head shaving is at noon. If you aren't in the Austin area, I strongly encourage you t find an event close by to support. There are events going on nationwide during the year.
You can also support through giving. Our Lauren Strong team has a goal to raise $10,000. We have already raised $1,245 from just a few dollars coming from each t-shirt sold. Our family matched this amount, so we are already 25% there!! You can click on he Lauren Strong link and donate, volunteer to be a shavee or just to join us. Our family will be there...and we would LOVE to have you there for support.... And.. some of us will be shaving our heads.. Please swing by on the 19th to celebrate these kids, give hugs and show your friendly smiles. It makes a difference!
