On June 11, 2021, our lives changed forever. Our daughter Serena, then 18 years old, received a diagnosis of Stage IV ALK+ Large B Cell Lymphoma, an extremely rare and highly aggressive cancer. Polly, Serena and I took the weekend to process the news. Then, family and friends raced into action, researching and contacting specialists to help us take the best action possible. The Fight began. 

We chose two methods to fight: prayer and communication. Prayer led us to make contacts that ultimately generated a miracle. The Lis family (Johnny is a previous St. Baldrick's Shavee) provided invaluable insight in understanding what a young adult feels in successfully dealing with cancer and also provided key contacts at Healthnetwork Foundation to find the right specialists for Serena. Mike Tucker, a 15 year Shavee, put us in contact with key people at St. Baldrick's who helped coordinate communication with medical specialists and researchers. The initial trio of Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital (Cleveland), Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Center (Boston) selflessly collaborated in developing Serena's treatment. That strategic collaboration ultimately led to a phase II clinical trial at Massachusetts General Hospital, where Serena found her miracle and beat cancer.

Throughout the process, Serena preferred to keep her hair as long as possible and maintained that no one should shave their head just for her. However, Serena beat cancer and now she wants to help others do the same.  While battling through side effects of stem cell transplant, Serena completed her degree in cosmetology and received her certificate from The Paul Mitchell School-Tampa. She plans to begin work at a salon while training to produce high quality wigs for cancer patients. And, to raise money for cancer research, SERENA WILL SHAVE MY HEAD at the St' Baldrick's event in northern Atlanta on March 23.

If you read this far, you're a huge part of Serena's success. You prayed diligently for Serena and our family, sent messages of encouragement, provided research and insight, decorated her room, waived banners outside her hospital room window, sent meals and thoughtful gift baskets, and so much more. We appreciate your abundant efforts. 

At our event, some will shave their heads – and others will keep their hair and put their hearts into supporting research to find cures and safer treatments for all childhood cancers.

Cancer is the #1 disease killer of kids.

This is why I’m teaming up with St. Baldrick’s – the #1 charity funder of childhood cancer research grants – in their 25th year.

Your donation can help ensure that the next 25 years bring hope, progress, and cures. Together, we speed up the progress of saving the lives of these brave children--like Serena.

Thank you for your donation!