I am participating in St. Baldrick's and wanted to let you all know why and how (if you would like) to participate with me. I have participated in St. Baldrick’s in the past. Loved every moment of it. There is nothing like watching a young child going through a greater life challenge than one can imagine and still find enjoyment watching people doing something as simple as shaving their hair. It gives one the sense that if all a person asks of me is to shave my hair once a year then how can I not? Such a small favor to ask. Especially coming from those precious eyes of children experiencing more adversity than I’ve experienced in my entire 39 years of life. As a person going on 18 years as a Fire Fighter I have seen some truly courageous and awe inspiring feats. I have been around people who have defined strength and calm in the face of chaos. However, I have never seen the truth of epic courage, iron determination, and towering inspiration like one experiences in the presence of those children who are present at the St. Baldrick’s events. They are Titans. They are all my heroes I shave my head because I have to. Not for me or some grand idea of social responsibility. I shave my head because if for one moment I can make somebody smile who desperately needs to smile….. I have done something worth doing. This year I am part of Team Bean. Who is Bean? She is a beautiful woman named Meredith, a fantastic person, a Paramedic with Austin EMS, the wife of one of my Fire Fighters, my friend, and a 15-year survivor of cancer. You see Meredith used to be one of those children. Or maybe I should say she IS one of those children. Does one stop being what you were? I don’t think so. Once one shows the strength of character and determination to experience and overcome such a challenge I believe it defines who you are. Forever. So…. I shave for the smiles. I shave for the Children of Strength and Courage. Mostly, I shave for Meredith.