A brave four-year old boy named Samuel is undergoing radiation treatments for cancer of the prostate. Meeting his mother and hearing the family's story has inspired me to participate in the annual St Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser once more. On March 19th, my head will be shaved at the Hilton Airport Hotel in Norfolk. It is my hope that each and every one of you will log on and sponsor me in this effort. My personal goal is $1000 but, in truth, I hope to raise significantly more. Approximately six years ago, you rallied around and the total was $3,300 - a gratifying amount.
St Baldrick's is a worthy charity, with an extremely high percentage raised going directly to funding investigation into the treatment of childhood cancers. Most children who develop malignancies suffer from leukemia or lymphoma. Solid tumors, such as the one afflicting Samuel, are very rare and need much work on etiology and treatment. Another child who had a solid tumor was the late Kristina, daughter of Tom. Kristina had cancer of her pancreas. Her story has inspired me as I face my own health challenges. Tom tells me she would awaken each day and say "What are we going to do for fun today?"
On March 19th, I plan to go bald for fun! Please consider logging on and making a donation. I know there are many demands on your wallet in these challenging times. Even $10 would make a difference.
In memory of Kristina and to honor Samuel, I thank you,
Anne
Well, it's March 1st and March winds arrived yesterday - a day early. I am so encouraged by the generosity of my donors. First, I was able to increase my goal from $1000 to $2000. Now I am at $2020 raised, with more than two weeks to go ......... I have increased the goal to $2500. Let's see what wonderful people can do as we work toward an incredible casue - identifying causes, treatments and cures for kids with cancer. Please join with me and do something that will make you feel good all year round.
March 8th
Just $40 away from my goal of $2500 ........ so I have gotten even sassier and raised it to $2750! Why not? Friends and family have been so generous, contributing what they can in a very tough economy. Our Red Octopus Crusaders are #1 in fund-raising for the event at Norfolk Airport Hilton. I hope that many will be there to see my locks shorn along with those of my teammates. Did I spell that correctly?
All my love,
Anne
March 15th now and oh boy, $2810 raised. I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it. I am taking the next step and increasing the goal to $3000. I feel sure the challenge will be met. So many wonderful, generous donors logging on as recently as last night and adding to the total. Will you answer the call for research into childhood cancers? Please help.
Anne
March 18th
I am giddy with the news of $3705 raised by you wonderful folks. My original goal was $1000 and here we are, almost four times that amount! I have heard that Sammy is back in chemotherapy, having completed his radiation treatments. Please let there be some answers soon to help children like him. The solid tumors are very challenging and have had fewer studies because they are much less common than blood and bone marrow disorders. Thank you all so much. BTW I must mention my team, the Red Octopus Crusaders has raised over $17,000 thus far. Wow!
My love to you all,
Anne
March 20th
The first day of spring and I am feeling the breeze on my bald head. It's very obvious that it will be coming back all gray. Photos to be uploaded soon. Right now I am at my sister Alison's house in Pfafftown NC, enjoying family time and the company of four dogs - a very interesting pack dynamic.
Thank you to all who supported this campaign. I am thrilled to have exceeded the total of six years ago, especially in these challenging economic times.
My love to you all, until this time next year,
Anne
