I choose to shave because it gives me a sense of accomplishment that makes me feel like I'm having an impact on something. I remember that day back in fourth grade when I first got to see my dad participate with his firefighter friends. I was too afraid to do it that year but afterward I knew I that I wanted to do it next year. The following year I signed up as part of the firefighters-for-kids team and I knew we were helping kids fight their battle with cancer. My dad, Phil, my grandfather, Bob, and I shaved our heads (even my sister Meghan was involved by cutting her hair for Locks of Love.) The whole family made the newspaper, FRONT PAGE! The reaction of my fellow students at school over following weeks after shaving was interesting; I would get asked: "what happened," "why did you shave your head," and even "do you have cancer". To that one I answer no but I helped kids fight their cancer. I have done it every year since; this year will be my sixth. Every time is such a great atmosphere, the MCs are funny, the crowds are loud and supportive, and the volunteers have smiles on their faces. They even have a fire truck (from my dad's fire department,) a bouncy house, face painting, and other things for kids. Two years ago, the firefighters-for-kids team shaved in honor of one of their own. He was a long time member yet had passed away with cancer. He, his sons, and his grandson were all firefighters. He was known for wearing red suspenders so the whole team, including me, wore red suspenders for that day. It's a lot of fun; it's a little sad; it's sharing the scary experience of losing your hair with kids with cancer, and it's the feeling of making a difference.