Waiting Room I have Von Willebrand’s disease, and so does my son, Max. We are fortunate that it isn’t something we have to survive or fight. It’s easily monitored and we have skilled and compassionate Hematologists keeping their eyes on us. Those Hematologists are also Oncologists, which means that our appointments are at the Cancer Center. I always dread the endless moments spent in the waiting room, watching brave and sick patients come out from chemo. Especially at the Children’s Cancer Center. It’s heartbreaking to walk past the kids in chemo chairs, receiving treatment. It’s heartbreaking to know that the medicine can be as draining and debilitating as the disease, and to see that in their eyes. But, for me, it’s worse to see the parents standing alongside them as their hearts break, holding their little hands, watching their babies suffer. If this sounds melodramatic, it’s because you haven’t seen it. I am grateful for the heath of my child and cannot imagine if the roles were reversed--if the child in the chemo chair was my own. This is one of the reasons why I am passionate about St. Baldrick’s and why I am willing to let someone shave my ( much loved) hair off in a bar full of strangers--and even worse, endure the awkward growing out process. It’s one way that I can help-- in the hopes that the waiting room will be a little less crowded the next time that we sit down for a doctor’s appointment. I am also honored to do it in support of loved ones that are currently fighting and in memory of those that have lost the battle to cancer. However, I cannot do it without your support. Please donate to Team Million, every little bit makes a world of difference. Here’s the direct link to our team page where you can donate online safely. If another option works for you--feel free to email me at meganmerchant@hotmail.com. http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/73351 Thank you. Megan, Paul & Max