This year, I'm shaving my head in support of the St. Baldrick's Foundation and the fight against childhood cancer.

I became involved with St. Baldrick's through a good friend of mine, Gary Wolfe. Gary and I met years ago through the Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge, and over time he became a close friend to both my father and me. We've shared some incredible adventures together—including a Rim-to-Rim hike through the Grand Canyon, where he was one of the people who stepped in to help carry my backpack when I hit a rough patch. When Gary asked if I would join him in shaving my head this year, saying "yes" wasn't difficult.

Gary is a Wish Parent. His daughter, Krista, battled a pediatric brain tumor for years before passing away at just 11 years old. Watching someone you know continue to honor their child by helping other families is incredibly humbling, and it's a reminder that these aren't just statistics—they're real children, real parents, and real families whose lives are changed forever.

That's why I'm here.

St. Baldrick's funds some of the world's leading childhood cancer research. Researchers submit grant proposals that are carefully reviewed, and funding is directed toward the projects with the greatest potential to improve treatments and save lives. Even with outstanding research waiting to move forward, there simply isn't enough funding to support every deserving project. Every dollar donated helps close that gap.

For me, shaving my head is symbolic. Hair is part of how many of us express ourselves. Whether we admit it or not, most of us care about it. Losing it—even temporarily—is a small sacrifice compared to what children with cancer experience as they endure surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and the uncertainty that comes with all of it. If giving up something I value can help raise awareness and encourage a few more people to support this cause, then it's an easy decision.

I've always believed people are more willing to help when they see someone quietly willing to help first. Nobody enjoys being constantly asked for money, but I've found that when one person picks up an oar and starts rowing, others often decide to row alongside them. That's my hope here.

My fundraising goal is **$500**, and if I don't reach it through donations, I'll make up the difference myself. I'd much rather have a hundred people contribute a few dollars each than a handful of large donations, because every person who chooses to participate becomes part of something bigger than themselves.

If you're able, whether it's $5, $25, or anything in between, I'd be grateful for your support. More importantly, the children and families depending on continued research will be grateful too.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and thank you for helping turn a simple haircut into hope.