This is my 4th year to shave my head for St. Baldrick’s but this year is a little different. I am doing it in memory of one of my patients, Joshua David Allen. Joshua was an amazing 14 year old young man who courageously fought a 2 ½ year battle against a rare form of childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma.
Joshua loved life and no matter what he was facing he always had a smile and was filled with compassion. Joshua had a great sense of humor and kept us all laughing at the hospital. He loved to sing, dance, play the piano and recently developed an interest in theater. This picture is after opening night of his school’s fall play. He never once complained about any of the things he had to endure. He loved our Lord and his faith remained strong, he knew that he would be fine because God was with him and heaven is what we are all made for. His philosophy was “Live life as if it is your last day and try to be the best person you can be.”
Joshua served as a childhood cancer advocate, promoting the need for increased funding for pediatric cancer research. In lieu of flowers his family asked that donations be made to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. When I learned of this, I decided to shave my head in memory of Joshua and to encourage others to “donate on my head” in memory of him as well. His mother, Christine, will be shaving my head on April 2nd.
St. Baldrick’s has awarded more than $1.5 million locally to the Gill Center fellowship program and research since 2006. In 2012, St. Baldrick’s reached the $100 million mark and their work continues to save lives, the lives of children with cancer.
But as with Joshua, many children continue to die from this terrible disease and we need to continue the fight. The battle is far from over! Your donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference!
With much gratitude,
Kelly