So, here is my story and why I chose to get involved with St. Baldrick's. When I was 3 years old, I was diagnosed with Cholesteatoma in my left ear. Although, not considered a "true" cancer, why I'm not sure, it does have the same devastation as cancer. It completely destroyed my left ear and now, 34 years later I still struggle by being deaf in my left ear due to the disease. This has impacted my life tremendously. As a child, I hated being deaf. I thought I was different, kids made fun of me or made me the butt of deaf jokes and I didn't understand why I was deaf. When I couldn't hear in situations, I would withdraw in and remain silent. Well I WILL NOT REMAIN SILENT ANY MORE!! I decided, I want to participate to help these children. I want them to understand it's not their fault they're sick. There is hope and there are people who care about them. By the money I raise, if that provides treatment to ease pain or to bring a teddy bear to their hospital room to brighten their day, then it's all worth it.