For the eighth consecutive year my sons and I, along with NetApp employees, their families, friends, business partners and even customers will be working with St. Baldrick’s to help conquer childhood cancers. My two sons will once again be participating and leading shavee teams of their own. Liam has been a shavee since our first event. He’s now 16 and leading a team of 20 Regis classmates. Not to be outdone, younger brother and fellow veteran shavee Aidan has 20 of his own teammates (from St. Agnes) already on board.
In supporting St. Baldrick’s the focus is on childhood cancer and rightfully so. But everyone seems to know one or many affected by cancer – and often that ignites if not rekindles the drive to raise awareness and support of cancer research. This year I lost a dear friend, Colonel Eric Kail and while obviously not a child, Eric led many in battle and is a true American Hero. He never sought the spotlight or glory that usually comes with achievements such as his and his definition of success – "(Success) is measured in the eyes of your soldiers, the heart of your wife and the lives of your children" – among other life lessons, will stick with me forever.
Eric lost a 15 month battle with spinal cancer a few months ago and the world, country, NetApp and me personally are the lesser for it. He was heroic to the end and his heroism lives on through the eyes of his troops, the future of his children and the heart of his wife. If you didn't know Eric but are intrigued by this story in any way, I ask you read up a little on what Colonel Kail and do your part in making yourself the best you can be as well by doing well for the others we serve. The full story on the impact Eric had on me and others can be found at http://nt-ap.com/18Et3KC.
Joey Santamorena and I have been NetApp’s corporate sponsors for St. Baldrick's since the beginning but make no mistake, this is an employee-driven effort. If unfamiliar with the NetApp/St. Baldrick’s history this blog will bring you up to date http://nt-ap.com/Lf7jPO. In February 2014 we passed the $5,000,000 raised mark thanks to thousands of volunteers who’ve lent their effort and talents to support events around the world. Our goal is to make the 8th annual Bill & Joey’s Excellent Shaving Adventure the one that will set the pace for NetApp and place us well on the road to $6,000,000.
St. Baldrick’s and other updates are available by following on Twitter @BHoganNYC. Whether in person or from afar I am asking if you can support my sons and me as we shave our heads in support of St. Baldrick's and children’s cancer research. We cannot thank you enough for your consideration of support for this cause any way you see fit.