Once upon a time I didn't understand childhood cancer. It was something that happened to other people, other families. On December 10, 2008, my world was changed forever when my son, Matthias, was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma at just three months old. We were just starting to adjust to life with a new child. We were enjoying our new baby boy. In one day we went from celebrating a new life to fighting for it. It was the most difficult journey I have ever faced.
Matthias eventually lost both eyes to cancer, but more importantly he kept his life. By his first birthday, we were again celebrating life with a cancer free child, and we were adjusting to the logistics of raising a blind child. Last year, I decided I wanted to join the fight against childhood cancer, and I learned about St. Baldrick's Foundation. I was honored to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer by shaving my head at the 2012 Indianapolis Event, and I was humbled by the generous donations of my family, friends, and community.
Matthias continues to be cancer free today. He is four years old, and he is slowly taking over the world with his intelligence and charm. I am proud to say his blindness is not the most notable thing about this amazing little boy. He has taught me that life's possibilities are limitless, and he has taught our family to savor life's simplest moments.
When St. Baldrick's asked if we would allow Matthias to be one of the five 2013 Ambassadors, we were honored to accept. It was even easier to commit to shaving my head again. This volunteer-driven charity funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U. S. government. I will do whatever I can to support that mission, whether by telling our story or losing some hair.
Please support me with a donation to the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Your gift will give hope to infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers. So when I ask for your support, I'm really asking you to support these kids. Thank you! Click "Make a donation" to give online, or donate by phone or mail.
