The t-shirts I've seen around the hospital lately say it all...Cancer Sucks. I couldn't agree more. I think I've decided what it is about cancer that I find so frustrating; it's the feeling of helplessness. It's the uncertainty of whether or not the treatment is going to work. It's the cautious optimism that we all feel when a remission is achieved. And it's the pit we get in our stomachs when we hear that one of our patients has had a relapse. The good news is that, many times, we don't have to deal with the "pit in the stomach" phase because cure rates for most pediatric cancers are pretty darn good. But, there is nothing that hurts more than when we have to go to that place with our patients and their families. It's a dark place, and it changes everyone involved. And it's not fair that anyone has to go through that. I can hardly get myself to think about what it would be like if it were my child, so I can't even begin to think what our patients and their families are experiencing. If I never had to hear about another bad outcome, it would be too soon. That's where St. Baldrick's (and you) come in. So much research has been done, and that is why such great strides have been made, but cancer still beats us far too often. If we can raise a few bucks by shedding a few hairs (I figure I'm just beating nature to the punch at this point), it may allow a few more small steps to be taken towards ending this for good. I would like to ask you to take a few moments to consider making a donation to a great cause. Anything will help, and if it leads to one less pit in someone's stomach, I guarantee it will be worth it.