Over the past several years, I've watched the lives of several classmates, teammates, and close friends be negatively affected by cancer. I never fully understood what they were going through until my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, I felt pretty helpless. Maybe we’d be lucky and the cancer would pass or maybe it would do some damage, but there was nothing I could do to help other than provide emotional support. It troubled me that I couldn’t do anything significant for my mom and all the others I knew who were struggling with cancer.

Then I heard about St. Baldrick’s. For those of you who are not familiar with the organization, volunteers raise money for childhood cancer research in a somewhat unorthodox way. Volunteers raise money with the promise of shaving their heads bald to show solidarity and support for cancer patients who frequently lose their hair during chemotherapy. So in an attempt to do SOMETHING for all those affected by cancer, especially children, I’m participating in the St. Baldrick’s cause this year. In return for your donation, you get to see an awkward looking me with a bald head! And if that wasn’t incentive enough, if you help me reach my fundraising goal of a meager $250, I promise to dye my hair blonde for the week leading up to the shaving event on March 18th. Anything helps, even if it’s just a couple bucks. Do it for those you know who have been affected by cancer. Do it to see me look silly. Do it for the children! Regardless of your motivation, JUST. DO. IT.