Well, I'm 'heading' into my fifth St. Baldricks event. This year I am again honoring the memory of Jarryd Bell, Cole Frieden (LIVESTRONG COLE) and Jessie Rees, all three of whom lost their battle with cancer... but will NEVER be forgotten. I am also honoring Colton Taylor. Colton is a year into remission... and doing all the things 4 year old little boys are supposed to be doing.
At the risk of sounding dramatic, just since we rang in the new year – over 25,000 children have been diagnosed with some form of cancer. Every 3 1/2 minutes another child is diagnosed... and then their journey, along with their family and friends, begins... enduring painful, uncomfortable and sometimes life threatening treatments including the risk of heart failure. I BELIEVE a cure will come in my lifetime. We have an opportunity to change this.
In 2011, St. Baldrick's donors and volunteers made possible more than $21 million in funding for childhood cancer research grants, pushing total research funding to an all time high. These funds went directly to doctors, hospitals, universities and more. 5 year survival rates are increasing... and so we need to continue funding research to continue this course. I encourage you to visit the St. Baldricks Grants page for more information and their Media page as well where you can peruse the hundreds of articles detailing each grant and how we're all working together to bring an end to childhood cancers.
My friends and I along with thousands of people around the world raise money and shave our heads for the children. And it continues to be one of the most moving and life changing experiences of my entire life. We do it in solidarity of children with cancer who lose ALL of their hair while undergoing treatment. Frankly, that’s NOTHING compared to what they’re going through each and every day.
I hope you will take a few minutes to sponsor me - no amount is too small... it'll make ya feel good... and it's tax deductible. Most corporations have a matching program if you’re interested in doubling your gift of life.
Thanks for your time and consideration.