Why am I having my head shaved? To stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer, who typically lose their hair during treatment. Some of you know I am a clinical pharmacist that works with children with cancer everyday, and every day I am amazed by the determination and fortitude of the children and families that I meet. What you might not know is the importance that research plays in the lives of kids with cancer each and everyday. Everyday some of these children have an opportunity to participate in research that helps us learn more about the treatment of childhood cancer, but that research costs money to complete. Childhood cancers are rare. Worldwide, more than 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, and only about 1300 diagnosed in Canada each year. That means that researchers need to work together. The St. Baldrick's Foundation partners with organizations around the world to fund childhood cancer research. In Canada this year St Baldrick's Foundation is partnering with C17. The C17 Council is an organization composed of the institutionally appointed heads of the sixteen pediatric hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplant programs across Canada. They represent the interests of children and adolescents with cancer and blood disorders and act as an authoritative Canadian voice. They provide support to initiate and run North American, and International clinical trials across Canada and fund independent Canadian research. As a co-chair of the C17 Guidelines committee I am proudly representing the Northern Alberta Children's Cancer Program at the Stollery Children's Hospital in this fundraising effort. We must all do everything we can to give kids a better chance for a cure.

To support me on behalf of these very special kids, please click "Make a Donation" above, or donate by mail or phone.
Thank you for your support!