Why I Shave: Honoring My Mom, 11 Years Strong
Hey everyone, I’m Spence Podolski.
For the 11th year in a row, I’m shaving my head with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation because kids fighting cancer don’t get a choice to lose their hair, but I do. And every year, I do it for one reason above all: to honor the strongest person I know, my mom.
My Mom: My Inspiration, My Why
My mom is my hero.
She has always embodied strength, grace, and resilience, teaching me what it means to face life’s challenges head-on. Her courage didn’t just raise me; it shaped me. And today, her story is still unfolding, because she is still kicking cancer’s butt.
Her fight is the daily reminder of why this mission matters. No one especially a child should have to battle cancer. When I shave my head, it’s not just for awareness. It’s an act of solidarity. It’s my way of standing beside kids and families who are facing the unthinkable.
Beyond the Razor: What Cancer Has Taught Me
My connection to this mission isn’t just personal it’s also professional.
During my time at ECU Health, I served as an oncology lay navigator. In that role, I walked alongside patients and families through some of their hardest days. I helped them navigate treatments, find resources, and simply know they weren’t alone.
I saw the logistical, emotional, and financial weight cancer places on families. I sat in quality assurance meetings, worked beside nurses and physicians, and learned that sometimes the smallest act of compassion can make the biggest difference.
That experience made something clear: behind every statistic is a family, a child, a story that deserves more time.
A Mission That Grew Beyond Me
What started as a simple act eleven years ago has grown into a personal mission of impact that touches every part of my life.
As a Board Member on East Carolina University’s Young Alumni Council, I’ve seen how alumni leadership can shape communities.
Through the American Diabetes Association, NC Obesity Society, and American Heart Association, I’ve learned the power of prevention, advocacy, and education.
With the Boys & Girls Club and the Hult Prize, I’ve seen the spark of possibility in the next generation when they’re given hope and opportunity.
And through Givebacks, I’ve seen how generosity becomes a ripple that changes communities.
Every role reinforces the same truth: impact matters most when it’s shared.
This Year’s Goal: Let’s Make an Impact
This year, I’m shaving my head for:
My mom, who inspires me every single day.
The kids, who deserve better treatments and cures.
The community, because when we unite, hope multiplies.
And to make it even more fun:
If we raise $1,700, I’ll get blonde highlights for 36 hours before I shave it all off.
How You Can Help
✔️ Donate: Every contribution funds lifesaving research.
✔️ Share: Awareness spreads faster when we do it together.
✔️ Join Me: Be bold. Shave with me. Let’s make it a movement.
This mission is personal. It’s about courage. It’s about connection. It’s about hope. My mom’s fight and my time serving patients as a lay navigator reminds me that we can never stop pushing for more. More research. More breakthroughs. More moments for kids and families to live, laugh, and thrive.
Let’s make this 11th year unforgettable and yes, maybe even blonde.
Thank you for standing with me.
#StBaldricks #BraveTheShave #11YearsStrong #HonoringMom #StillKickingCancersButt #ConquerKidsCancer
