Hello Darlings,

I’m embarrassed to say that for much of my life, I was completely oblivious to the powerful effects that childhood cancer has on my friends and family. I was even a little insensitive about the subject. To me, childhood cancer was the little bald child so often advertised on St. Jude’s commercials, the ones who were not given an opportunity to speak or share their story because of the melancholy voice-overs playing.
However, over the past year, I became close with three different friends who have or have had very different experiences with childhood cancer. It blows me away every day how radiant, full of life, and incredibly sarcastic they all were and are. From hearing Jack’s theories on why his character was the lead in our show, to writing poetry with Grace while we did laundry at camp, to afternoons spent lost in a corn maze with Katie, each and every one of them found their way into my heart, and I couldn’t have been happier. Gone was my image of the sad little St. Jude kids, replaced with the most upbeat, hilarious, and authentic people I know.
Therefore, this year I am proud to participate in St. Baldrick’s day in memory of Jack Kunkle, in celebration of Grace Melon, and in support of Katie Palmero. Update: I'm pleased to say that including the cash donations everyone has given to me and Mary Wood, I have reached $1,040 dollars, so my new goal isn't that much of a stretch! Thanks so much for your support guys!