It’s that time of year again! Time for me to join in helping to Shave the way to Conquer Kids’ Cancers. This will be my 3rd year leading an event and my 4th year overall. This year is even more special as I’ve pledged to personally raise $10,000 at my event to support St. Baldrick’s and in return, they’ve provided me with a charity slot for the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. I couldn’t be more excited to face this initial challenge of raising money, and then take on what I hope will be the less formidable one in the sharks awaiting me in San Francisco Bay! This year I’ll call on a good friend’s spirit to help carry me to the finish line, Xavier Murphy (his picture is below, I’ve never seen him without that smile from ear to ear). Xavier was a student equipment manager for the football team. I had gotten to know him my 5th year at Notre Dame. Tragically, during this past Fall he was diagnosed with leukemia and within one month had lost his battle. Words cannot explain the devastation the Notre Dame community felt with the news of his passing. I have no doubt he’ll be at my side throughout the race.