For the last 7 years my son, Thomas, and I have shaved our heads in support of childhood cancer victims and to raise money for St. Baldrick’s Foundation. There is both a personal attachment to this event, with my oldest sister dying of neuroblastoma at a young age, and a nostalgic one as it and the many awesome people we’ve met because of it through the years have provided memories we’ll take with us the rest of our lives.
This year we are shaving together on April 24th and, sadly, it will likely be our last time doing it together for quite some time. In June Thomas heads off to the US Military Academy at West Point! So the other point is he likely won’t be coming home in March or April for a very long time. And, let’s face it: he’ll be getting “free” haircuts (nearly a head shaving) quite regularly for the next 4 years (and then some).
As you can tell, this is something we feel passionately about and I hope you'll take a moment out of your day or night to give it a read. Take a time-out from the hectic pace of work and life and all that seems important, and reflect on something that could, but hopefully never will, change your life forever: having a child battling cancer. Stop and imagine what that would mean to you, how your priorities would change, how your child's "success" would be measured…. And be thankful for what you have.
Your life, like mine, I'm sure is CRAZY busy. We've places to go, things to do, errands to run, Facebook to check, successes to be achieved, kids' events to attend…. It's stressful, to be sure, but largely positive stress. It's things we CHOOSE to do and put ourselves and our kids through as we seek ALL that LIFE has to offer.
Not all parents get to choose exclusively positive stresses. Not all kids get to choose what they put their energy into.
Cancer. It's an ugly word that has, unfortunately, touched every one of us, either in a loved one very close to us or certainly we all know somebody dealing with it. It changes peoples' lives, not just the medical treatments but what they spend their time doing. And a family that has a child fighting cancer WISHES they were merely crazy busy with all the things you and I find consuming our daily lives.
My parents' first child, Karen, brought them the most immense joy! When she died two years later from Neuroblastoma she brought them the most acute pain any parent should have to go through. Many years ago when my father passed away and I was going through his things I came across a folder simply titled "Karen." Some of the information in the folder was the correspondence my parents had with the cemetery and stone carver when they were making funeral arrangements. One particular item in the folder caused me to stop for a long time: my father, a Civil Engineer, had taped graph paper together and created a full-size draft of the tombstone my parents had envisioned for their first daughter….
We’ve been doing St. Baldrick's for many years and each year I wonder, "should I do it again?" I always find that it's when I write this message I get the answer. Though the stories I relate and my asking for support isn't new to those who have known me a while, I feel compelled – we must feel compelled – to continue until the ONLY stories we hear are those of complete recovery and success.
Through St. Baldrick's two main things are usually said to be accomplished: (1) raise funds for critical cancer research so more kids live longer and (2) show solidarity with the kids battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatments. For me there have always been a few more: reflect on life, remember compassion, realize all you have and rally everyone you know.
So, slow down for minute or few. Mull over how your life could be different and how blessed you. Hug your kids, your parent, your friends, your coworkers… Then consider helping any way you can.
Thank you SO much for taking a bit of time out of your day to read this not-so-short but heartfelt blurb and for any support you can give – it's all good! I look forward to seeing you soon, either with long and unmanageable hair, or with a smoothly shaved pate, and I hope you and yours experience awesome things in 2016!
-Bill
