“Carry each other's burdens, and in this

way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

-Galatians 6:2

Throughout life I have met many strong and brave souls who have faced their struggles with courage and hope. Many have made a difference or inspired me in my own life. However, the bravest and most inspiring person I have ever known was C.D., a young boy who showed extraordinary valor in his battle against cancer. C.D. was just a child, yet he showed extreme tenacity and resolve during the time I knew him as he underwent chemo treatment. My friend was his baby sitter during our sophomore year at St. John’s College, so I would often join them for walks, or they would come visit our home shared with my roommates, my dog, and my cat. He loved to hangout on our couch and talk with my roommates, enjoyed spending time with my cat and dog, and had so many questions about life. He showed extreme strength everyday I knew him. Sure, there were days when he was weakened and frail, but I strongly remember the days he spent being a kid, joking, laughing, and making others around him light up despite the pain. I was lucky to have met him. Yet unfortunately I was heart broken the day I had to say goodbye. C.D. was bed ridden, so my friend and I sat next to his bed and spoke with him. He asked me to describe myself, to tell him what I looked like, since he had lost his sight before we met him. I didn’t know where to start, so I said I had long black hair and skin the color of adobe. He asked if I was like an Indian from the books he had read when he was younger, he could imagine that, so I agreed and said I looked something like that since I am Mexican and descended from the Aztecs indigenous to the Americas. He touched my face and felt the shape of it, and noticed the tears rolling down. He told my friend and I not to be sad. Even then he was stronger than me, he showed no fear, and I can do nothing but honor and commend him for that. Since his passing C.D. has still been a source of inspiration and strength.

To pay my respect to him and to stand in solidarity with children who have lost their hair without choice, I am committing to cut my hair and shave my head to  help raise money to fund research and treatment for other children. Alone I cannot make a difference, but if we all come together as a community I have hope and know that we can raise enough money to make an impact in a child’s life. Every child deserves to have a childhood and full life, St. Baldrick’s is a cause that is fighting to make that happen and worth supporting.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for any assistance you can lend in this effort. If you cannot spare a donation, please share with your network and help spread the word. With love, AP.