Michael Schroeder. Joey Chamness. Bob Clifford. They are why I will be shaving my head on March 18th to help raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
I last shaved my head for St. Baldrick’s five years ago, inspired by two sweet and special boys of very close friends of ours. Michael Schroeder, the only son of our long-time dear friends Mike and Patrice Schroeder, was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was seven years old. Michael lost his courageous battle when he was only 11, but he left for all of us who knew him a tremendous legacy of grace and courage that we will carry with us always. Joey Chamness is the son of our very close friends Chuck and Briget Chamness. He was diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg when he was eight years old. Thankfully, Joey is a survivor and is currently a 19 year old freshman thriving at Indiana University. Chuck is the chairman of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation which funds more pediatric cancer research grants than any institution other than the U.S. government.
I have been inspired to shave again by someone my own age. Bob Clifford is in a courageous fight of his own against brain cancer. Bob and I have been close friends for nearly 40 years. He “fixed me up” with my wife Barbara, as I later did him to his wife Shaun. We first shaved for St. Baldrick’s together in 2011, and he has selflessly continued to do so. I hope Bob’s health will allow him to shave again this year, but whether it does or doesn’t, I’m going to shave for him and for children who are, or will be, diagnosed with cancer and their families.
Please help St. Baldrick’s turn scientific discoveries into cures for children with cancer. You can give directly with your credit card at here or you can send a check payable to “St. Baldrick’s Foundation” to me at 2604 E. Second Street Unit D; Bloomington, IN 47401. I’ll be shaving at the St. Baldrick’s event at the Indianapolis Northside Knights of Columbus beginning at 6:00 p.m. on March 18th with a buffet dinner and cocktails. You are most welcome to attend this fun and uplifting party. (By the way, if I’m called out of town that weekend for an NCAA tournament game or something, Chuck has promised to get me shaved earlier that week, so you are still on the hook).
Thank you for your consideration and support.
