As you may know, in March of 2002 I was the first person to shave my head for St. Baldrick’s in Chicago and I am a member emeritus of the founding Board of Directors. A total of 10 of us shaved, raising $70,000 that first year. In the years that followed, St. Baldrick’s presence in Chicago grew to hundreds of area-wide events and millions of dollars raised to fund childhood cancer each year. And I shaved my head more than a dozen times over those years.
You probably know that I left Chicago 4 years ago, and have grown out my ‘beach-locks’ over those years. However, my ‘partners-in-crime’ from those early years have approached me to shave as Chicago celebrates it’s 20th year of headshaving. This year’s event will be virtual, so I’ll be able to participate even though I won’t be in Chicago in person. But the good news – you can sign in to watch the shave!
What made me decide to shave my head again? Healthy children, and three healthy grandchildren. Also, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, events last year were cancelled worldwide, and donations for childhood cancer research were down by more than $12 million!! Lifesaving research has been put on pause, but these kids need your help!
I know that there are many worthy causes, but every two minutes, somewhere in the world a child is diagnosed with cancer. By age 50, 99% of survivors will suffer long-term health effects from their treatment.
Your contribution will support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants worldwide. Since 2005, St. Baldrick’s has funded more than $305 million in research grants to find cures for kids with cancer. This is all thanks to the generosity of donors like you!
My goal this year is to raise $10,000, and to start it off Donna and are donating $2,000. Any donation will go a long way. – here are some ways your gift makes a difference:
• $50 provides two hours of a clinical trial, often a child’s best hope for a cure
• $100 covers a student to work in a pediatric oncology research lab for one week
• $250 allows for ten hours of research to improve patient and survivor quality of life
Over the years I have met so many kids in treatment for cancer. Kids like Maggie, Josh, Alicia and Sara, who are survivors as a result of research. And kids like Chris, one of the first patients I ever met, and whose funeral I attended ten years ago. These kids deserve our help – I hope I can count on your donation to fund lifesaving research.
Thank you so much for being a hero to kids with cancer. Together, we will make a difference!
