Why I Shave
Hi, my name is Connor.
When I was little,just 18 months old,I was diagnosed with an Intrinsic Cervicomedullary Glioma, a brainstem tumor that doctors couldn’t operate on. My family was told to go home and love me, and that I might not live longer than a year.
But my story didn’t end there.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital gave my family hope. They showed us light at the end of a really dark tunnel.
Now, 4 years later, my tumor is stable.
I still go through a lot. I have sleep apnea, scoliosis, and bad sinus problems. I have to travel for scans and go to Utah for appointments and procedures. My family lives life in 6-month chunks, waiting between scans.
But I’m here.
I’m in school. I have friends. I play sports. I’m almost a junior black belt in martial arts, and I like to be a little bit of a daredevil. I love to joke around and make people smile.
I get to live my life.
And that’s why I shave my head.
St. Baldrick's Foundation raises money for childhood cancer research by having people shave their heads for kids who lose their hair during treatment.
I’m shaving for kids like me, kids who are still fighting, still in the hospital, still waiting for their chance.
But this year, I’m also shaving for someone very special.
Mr. Myers.
He was one of my favorite teachers and the reason St. Baldrick’s came to my school. He showed up for me, at my birthdays, my events, and important moments, even while he was fighting cancer himself.
Last year, he shaved his head for me.
Last week, we lost him.
So this year, I shave for him too.
His family asked that, instead of flowers, people donate to St. Baldrick’s, something he believed in so much.
My family is so grateful for St. Jude and organizations like St. Baldrick’s. Because of research, kids like me get a chance, even when the odds are against us.
We want to make this year the biggest donation yet.
Thank you for being part of my story.
