I'm going bald to raise money for childhood cancer research! Please make your gift today and help me raise a ton of money before the Nov. 3 event!

If you are wondering why I am doing this...please keep reading.

I'm blessed to have three wonderful, healthy kids but there was a time that we were very concerned about Evan's health. Just about 4 years ago we were driving back from a travel soccer game in Lafayette when Evan noticed significant bruising and pinpoint-sized reddish spots (petechiae) on his legs and torso. Scared beyond words, we headed to the hospital. It was something the Kokomo ER didn't see very often and we were fortunate that Riley Hospital was an hour away in Indy. 

We spent the next 24 hours at Riley where Evan received an infusion. Still uncertain of the diagnosis, Beth and I handled it like anyone would - we googled like crazy - and soon learned that his symptoms were the same as those for leukemia. We spent the next few days convinced that Evan had leukemia!

Fortunately, the test results showed no signs of leukemia and the pediatric oncologist informed us that Evan has ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpuravery) - a blood disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets. ITP can be very dangerous when the platelet levels reach critically low levels. A normal platelet level is above 150,000. Evan's level at Riley was 6,000...and he had played keeper in a soccer match that afternoon. Little did we know that a hard shot to the chest could have caused severe internal bleeding that his body could not have handled. 

He is still afflicted with ITP, now considered chronic, and manages it with daily meds and regular blood work. His platelets levels bounce around but have not approached a critically low level for quite a while. Evan will likely be dealing with ITP for the rest of his life, but with proper monitoring and meds, the risk is minimal and non-threatening.

While ITP is not something to dismiss, he is very fortunate compared to the kids we saw at Riley. His treatment was administered in the oncology infusion center and we saw so many girls and boys who were not as lucky. I distinctly recall one teenage girl - the bandana that covered her bald head was the only sign of what she was going through. Her joyous, upbeat attitude, and positive comments did not reflect the severe battle she was facing...but it did make me realize that this young lady was going to take it on with the most positive attitude possible. I pray that she survived.

So, why am I having my head shaved...because my family and I are blessed to have health, happiness, and joy. Because so many others are not as fortunate and hopefully someday the money raised through St. Baldrick's and other wonderful organizations will find a cure.

My hair will grow back…many others will not have that chance. Please make a gift today!