As anyone that knows me or has been connected with me on Facebook is aware that childhood cancer research  is something that I support strongly along with hoping to make a difference in the life of a child with cancer.

As a result  I have been involved with St Baldrick's for twenty years now and have been involved in over 30 events in one way or another; have organized 17 events and have been shaved 14 times over the years.  Previously would say that I wanted to reach twenty years and this is year 20 but not necessarily sure if this is the final year or merely another milestone.

Why am I shaving my head is that childhood cancer research is underfunded and there needs to be better treatment options for children with cancer.  Since 1 in every 5 children diagnosed with cancer does not survive that is one child too many and treatment options that may cure a child but result in chronic health care issues then there needs to be better options.

Why should you care is that you never know when childhood cancer might touch your life in some way.  I was a pediatric oncology nurse for over 29 years and have been involved in other ways with children that have cancer as a volunteer locally or through CURE Bears for Hope and Love.  But in 2014 childhood cancer touched our family when my cousin's grandson was diagnosed with cancer and died within five months from the diagnosis.  So the reason that you should care is that you never know when your child or grandchild or another child that you know is diagnosed.  

A challenge among friends 25 years ago has become the largest volunteer movement to Conquer Kids’ Cancer. 

Each shaved head, every dollar donated, creates a ripple effect of progress for kids with cancer.

Your gift will give kids and their families hope, supporting the best research across the country, through the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

Together, let’s give these kids the lifetime they deserve. Thank you for your support!