In 2013 a group of ladies near and dear to my heart formed a team for St. Baldrick's named 10 Strong. We set our goal to raise $50,000 and exceeded that raising a total of $60,000. Over 6ish weeks we formed an unbelievable bond! I honestly thought it would be a once in a lifetime experience for me. It was empowering! It was a way to fight back and to make childhood cancer be known in a big, BOLD way! I never once regretted it, I just never thought I would do it again. When I was on stage about to become bald I was asked why. Why is this so important to you? I think I said something along the lines of, "I'm doing this for my son. For all the children that are fighting. For all of their families on their knees praying for a cure, and for all of the children that have yet to be diagnosed."
Of course it was for Nathan, but it has always been about more than just my family. Nathan is currently 2 years off frontline treatment and has just finished a trial that was largely funded by St. Baldrick's to keep him in remission. We are the lucky ones. However, since then I have been to too many funerals of children that were taken all too soon. I love and pray for their families daily.
My son lost his best friend and cancer buddy on September 7th, 2015. My dear friend lost her son that day. Our families had a special connection. Nathan and Charlie had a special connection. Two little boys, ages 3 and 4, bonded in a hospital bed over bald heads, tubie tubes, and pokes. They cheered each other on and helped keep each other be strong, but mostly they kept each other from feeling alone in a new and scary world.
So on April 3rd I will take the stage one more time and shave my head in honor of their friendship first, but also for Blake, Draigon, Garrett, Nesha, Coltrane, Beau, Jayla, Bennett, and Shane.
Please join me in this fight! Our children need less toxic treatment and new trials! St. Baldrick's is doing their best to make that a reality and not just a dream! Every dollar counts.
