Dear Friends,
I am participating once again in St. Baldrick's to raise money for childhood cancer research. In 1988 I took care of my first oncology patient at Children's Medical Center Dallas and knew instantly that this was the vocation God chose for me. I will always remember my first patient; his name, age, diagnosis and how adorable he was. I walked the journey with his parents from the time of his diagnosis. I shared in their heartaches and rejoiced when he completed therapy. I watched him grow into a healthy, happy, young man. But I will also never forget my first patient who died; her name, age, diagnosis, her beautiful smile, her last breath and the deep sorrow and grief her parents experienced when she died.
Over the years I have seen great strides made in the cure rates of childhood cancer which have only been made possible because of research. Much more research needs to be done to continue raising the cure rates and to develop treatments without devastating side effects. As more and more children are being cured we are seeing the late effects of the therapies that have saved their lives.
I shave my head in solidarity with all the children fighting for their lives against this terrible disease. Be a hero and donate today because research saves lives!!
With much gratitude, Kelly Lautzenheiser