Why am I shaving my head, and why should you care?

A challenge among friends 25 years ago has become the largest volunteer movement to Conquer Kids’ Cancer. This year, I’m joining thousands of others to shave my head to raise money for childhood cancer research!

Did you know, 1 in 5 kids diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. won’t survive? For those who do, more than 96% have severe or life-threatening conditions by the time they are 50.

This is my 14th year shaving my head for St. Baldricks and I am so looking forward to "braving the shave" once again for a great cause, joined once again by the awesome "March Madness" team! For now my webpage says I am shaving "virtually" but trust me, we are shaving ACTUALLY and will very much be totally bald!

Please look at the photos of my "honored kids" below -- THEY are what this is all about and THEY are why I continue to do this year after year. 

As a mother and cancer survivor myself, my heart breaks thinking of what these children have endured, remembering those whose lives were stolen by cancer, all I can say is THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I can't accept this reality and I refuse to accept this reality. Help me change this!

Fifteen years ago in 2009 I shaved my head for the first time, in Rockville Centre. Just weeks before I had been diagnosed with "advanced aggressive" throat (tonsil) cancer, and I was determined to "make lemonade" when life handed me lemons... I am so grateful for the last 15 years, and for the support of so many family, friends, church family and business associates who have given so generously year after year every march, allowing me to raise over $140,000 since 2009.

Cancer is relentless. It doesn't take a vacation, or a day off, or a holiday. It is merciless and unrelenting. But I am equally determined to continue supporting the St. Baldrick's Foundation and, along with my amazing team, will "Brave the Shave" once again to "Conquer Kid's Cancer."

Your gift will give kids hope, supporting the best research across the country, through the largest charitable funder of childhood cancer research grants.

Cancer kills more of our kids than any other disease. I don’t want to let these kids down. Can you help? Thank you!

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!