Hi! I’m Jon.

Earlier this year I was introduced to the idea of St. Baldrick’s through my social Fraternity as our semi-obligatory philanthropy project for the semester. Brothers were told that if you volunteered to shave your head you received three free haircuts at a local well-to-do barber. Without hesitation my hand shot up, effectively volunteering for this activity. Having received short haircuts in high school I thought: “Get a shorter-than-normal haircut and receive three more for free?” Clearly, this is a win-win. Plus, I was helping kids with cancer-looks like this whole solidarity thing would be a breeze.

Now, as time went on, and our philanthropy chair pointed us in the direction of St. Baldrick’s website, I began to create an account and read more about the program. I realized that while shaving my head would be entertaining and play a key role in this effort for solidarity, it was only the beginning. People inquire into drastic changes in appearance-this serves as an opportunity for the shavee to explain the cause and his/her devotion to it. Being bald served as a way to recognize, understand, and share knowledge of the prevalence of childhood cancer as well as the great effort going into relief for those requiring treatment.

Sure, you may be thinking “Of course, Jon, isn’t it obvious? Didn’t you think about that *before* you raised your hand?” Sure I did! But somehow midway through reading the content on the website, considering references and articles outside of the website, and after reviewing a few touching personal stories, it just hit me. This is the real deal. The experimental methods and treatments researched by doctors and scientists funded by St. Baldrick’s actually do alleviate pain and suffering and in some wonderful cases prevent the loss of a child. Isn’t contributing to that worth a 3rd beer on a Friday night? That last pitcher at Ray’s? Maybe even that article of clothing you’ve been eyeing because it just perfectly matches an outfit you think you should wear more often?

Now here is where we lose people. I’m guilty of it myself. We all begin to answer the question “How much do I give?” This is quickly followed by “What is a useful amount to donate?” This in turn is strictly curbed by “I certainly can’t afford that.” Before you know it, you’ve pushed aside the matter at hand to get your mind off of it.

I’m going to request you approach this case differently.

I read a quote on the back of someone’s T-shirt not too long ago by Confucius: “The man who moves mountains begins by carrying away small stones.” This made me think: we often overlook the well known phrase “a little bit goes a long way”, however, I think it can be very applicable in this scenario.

If you are so inclined to help in this cause, I would suggest an alternative route: lower your sights a little and aim for a small donation-something easily manageable. But, make a point to inform someone else about the effort! Perhaps read a little bit more about the program for yourself. Many take for granted the value of communicating the details of an effort such as this. Let its value not be lost on you.

Please consider donating to St. Baldrick’s, or at least pass on the message that literally no contribution however small goes unnoticed and that recognizable progress IS being made-and that each little difference, each little donation has the potential to change someone’s life completely.

Thanks for reading my thoughts on this issue and the upcoming shaving event! I can say, with certainty, that I feel like I am contributing!