To everyone who doesn't know me, I'm Shaila Rivers. I'm 18 years old, and pretty much the normal teenager. I love softball, art, make up, and of course my hair. Although I enjoy the normal teenage activities, I try my best to support a cause. In the last three years I have been a big supporter in trying to find a cure for children's cancer. In the US, more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease. Three years ago my mother was brave enough to shave her head in the name of children's cancer. Inspired by her courage, I told her that I too would shave my head, participating in St. Baldrick's day my senior year of high school. It's now my senior year, and during these last three years a lot has gone on. I have met many children with cancer, and each and every one of them has changed my life. One special boy, "Wilson", 13, who suffered from an untreatable form of brain cancer, and I became dear friends. Him and I used to watch old Godzilla movies together, play games, and talk about our dreams. I've now lost him to cancer, and it breaks my heart that there was nothing doctors could do for him. I feel so devastated for his family who watched Devon (My brother who was ill.) get better, while Wilson slowly faded away. Wilson is my biggest inspiration. He was a bundle of joy and optimism, even in his last days. He would have made and amazing adult if only doctors would have known how to treat his cancer. Which is why I want to shave my head: to help fund the doctors who work hard to find cures and treaments for kids like Wilson. Now not only have I have chosen to participate in St. Baldrick's by shaving off my 17 inch long blonde hair; I've also decided to organize a whole entire event. The event is scheduled to take place at: Yamhill-Carlton High School Cafeteria 275 N. Maple Street. Yamhill, OR 97148 Saturday April 19, 2008 10am-2pm. The event includes face painting, concessions available for purchase, balloon animals, and of course head shaving! I am scheduled to shave my head at 12pm that day. I challenge you to be a hero and shave your head. Challenge others, form a team, do it together. Even if you can't do it in Yamhill, you can still register for my event and shave your head elsewhere. If you'd rather not shave, please, support all of the children with cancer, and researchers efforts in finding a cure, and pledge me. Anyone can train to run, walk, or bike a marathon, but it takes a true champion to shave your head!