Dear Family and Friends, I am beginning an adventure and I’m asking for your support. I’m going to shave my head at a St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser in support of children with Pediatric Cancer on March 25th, 2012 at The Park Lounge, a Long Island bar owned by my brother and brother-in-law . By shaving my head I will symbolically stand in solidarity with children who lose their hair through chemotherapy and other harsh treatments. I have chosen to do this because, as you all know, I’ve spent most of my life surrounded by children and they’ve brought much joy to my life. This is my way of giving back. Last year I attended The Park Lounge’s St. Baldrick’s event and was so moved that I wanted to participate immediately but decided to wait until this year and turn it into a teachable moment for the students at Plymouth Church School. It is time to start putting all this idea into action. I want to share this experience with the students and hope to make a lasting impression on them on how they view illness and children who “look” different from them. I hope to evoke empathy and help them understand that there is no reason to be afraid. I have been preparing the class for my transformation in appearance and we have had rich and open discussions on the “whys” and “hows” of it all. I hope that in some small way I may provide a lifelong lesson and contribute to curing cancer. I ask that you help me in supporting this wonderful cause and aid me in reaching my goal of $5000 (with the hope of more) and watch me and others “Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids’ Cancer!” This is a fun way to do something very important. If you are so moved you can give directly online (search for my name at www.StBaldricks.org) or by phone at 888-899-BALD. Credit cards are the most efficient way to give. You can also write a check payable to “St. Baldrick’s Foundation” or give cash, which I’ll be collecting either in my classroom or you can drop it off at the front desk! To see a list of my donors, fundraising progress, and “before” and “after” photos, visit my page on the St. Baldrick’s website. St. Baldrick's funds more grants for childhood cancer research than any other organization except the U.S. government. Last year, the Foundation has funded nearly $22 million in new grants – all because over 45,000 people shaved their heads! You can count on this donation being used responsibly. To see all the research being funded – by disease type, location and more – visit www.StBaldricks.org and click on "Where the Money Goes," then "View Grants." Cancer touches everyone without exception. We are looking forward to the day when no child has to suffer from the horrors of childhood cancers. I look forward to any of your questions or comments.