For the past 7 years my school has raised money to benefit St. Baldrick’s Foundation. I have had the privilege of being a co-chairperson for our fundraising efforts all 7 of those years. What started out, small has grown to be an annual collection that surpasses all other schools in the district. For the past two years, my school of about seven hundred fifty 12, 13, and 14 year olds (75% of who fall below the poverty level) has managed to raise around $10,000 annually! The generosity of the JMS staff, students, and parents is moving. While I am extremely proud to be a part of such an outstanding group, it is not why I write today. I write today as the mother of 3 healthy children. Gideon and I have been blessed not once, not twice, but three times with beautifully healthy children. Our children are our greatest accomplishments, our greatest joy, and the most precious gifts God could ever bestow upon us. The thought of seeing them ill or even worse quite literally makes me sick to my stomach. While Gideon and I have been triply blessed, too many parents have not. In the United States, more kids are lost to cancer than any other disease. About 1 in 300 kids will be diagnosed with childhood cancer before the age of 20. In 80% of childhood cancer patients, the cancer has already spread by the time it is diagnosed, making treatment very difficult. This year I have set a personal goal to raise $500 for St. Baldrick’s Foundation. If you would like to help me make my goal, please visit www.stbaldricks.org, click the green DONATE icon, and search my name. I would also be thrilled to pass along a personal check or cash donation! Thank you so much for your help!