The deed is done! Thanks to everyone who supported me and those who are still donating to this very worthy cause.

Fundraising has been an interesting experience. Many people have surprised me, and I am grateful for their support. Last year I attended the first annual event at Brian O'Neill's to see Dean Lee and others from my section get shaved. I thought to myself, "I can do that."As I've gone through the past weeks with blue hair and other crazy ideas to bring people's attention to this cause, I have reflected on the many reasons I chose to participate.

In my work at MD Anderson, I meet the most amazing people -- patients and their families. Young men and women, children, relatives who do the impossible. They smile at me when I wake them up to ask my questions, poke and prod each day. They endure pain, nausea, fatigue, and all sorts of other symptoms as we bombard their bodies with poison to make them better. Families who have slept on fold up beds for weeks staying in their child's room day and night apologize for their hair not being brushed. On the wonderful days the patients go home, they ring the unit bell, we hug, we cry, and they promise to come back and visit when they are truly well. On the terrible days that patients leave us forever, through their grief the families never fail to say thank you.

I would dearly love to be put out of a job by research funded by St. Baldrick's. Maybe your contribution will be the one to make it so. Thank you!