I will always remember attending my first St. Baldrick's event, 5 years ago. Colleen, my 8 year old daughter was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) 7 month earlier. She was gravely ill at the time of the event -- in intense pain, unable to attend with me. My nephew, Matthew was shaving in her honor as were several other complete strangers. I was overcome with emotion at the thought of people that we didn't even know shaving to honor Colleen, I just had to attend and personally thank them, tell them how important it was to us, hug them even. I carefully made cards with Colleen's picture and her CaringBridge site URL address so I could hand them out to people I met. It was an emotion-packed day. I met some incredible people that day. I specifically remember meeting the Hughens family. The father and son team shaved for Colleen and even had her picture hanging from a lanyard around their neck. Their family is in my life today.

Colleen died just a couple of months later, on June 9th of that year. Just 9 months after her diagnosis. Clearly, more research is needed to prevent more deaths.

I now shave my own head. I actually keep it short. I shave it every 2 or 3 weeks. It is a great conversation started. You will be shocked at how many people ask me if I have cancer. I say "No, but let me tell you about all of the children that do.".

But I also shave every March to honor Colleen and all the other children that don't have a choice when they lose their hair to chemo.