Here’s my proposal: 

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I’ll shave my head (again) if YOU make a donation to childhood cancer research!

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Back in 2014, one of my second-grade students was undergoing chemotherapy. Her hair was falling out, but she didn’t want to shave it. I remember wanting to validate her fears, while also showing solidarity. 

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So, I signed up for St. Baldrick’s, a childhood cancer fundraiser where participants shave their heads to raise money for pediatric cancer research.

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Since then, cancer has hit even closer to home. My husband, my dad, and some of my closest friends have faced it. I’ve often thought about fundraising again for St. Baldrick’s, but now I feel truly called to do it. I want to do this for Lola and for every child fighting this disease.

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Lola is my daughter (Millie)’s good friend and our neighbor. Our families have become close, especially over this difficult summer. Lola and Millie's dads, both USN corpsmen, coach our kids' soccer team together.  She is just seven years old, and she is in the fight. 

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Because her hair is already starting to fall out, the timing is urgent. I can't join an existing event or run a long fundraiser, so I created this small event of our own.

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Lola's beautiful mom is going to shave her head! I’ll also be a shavee. My daughter has decided to be a trimee, donating a ponytail-width of hair to Children With Hair Loss. We are hopeful that Lola will be well enough to attend this event.

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We’ve created Team Lola so that anyone, anywhere, can join us virtually. You can take part by trimming or shaving your hair in her honor, sharing photos or videos, and helping us raise money for childhood cancer research.

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We invite the Camp Lejeune community to join us. Check out the event page for more info!

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Let’s do this for Lola, and for every child who should never have to fight this fight.

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A video about Lola’s Diagnosis: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19zvrqtszA/