Many of you have been following my "St. Baldrick's shavee" journey since I first shaved in 2005! This cause is very close to my heart! Since 2005, I have met so many incredible children, some fighting for their life, others haven beaten cancer, and others that went to join the angels that fought and lost before them. Shaving almost every year since 2005 has humbled me and made me grateful for each day, even when the day is not a good one. Life is a journey. Embrace everyday, embrace your family, embrace your friends. Love them everyday!
The last part of 2016 and 2017 were especially heart wrenching for my family. One of my parents was diagnosed with cancer toward the end of 2016. Another parent was diagnosed shortly after 2017 begun and fought (and beat) cancer the entire duration of 2017!! A dear friend of ours was also diagnosed with breast cancer and fought (and beat) cancer! We also lost one of our fur babies to cancer in 2017! Cancer does not discriminate!
I had been around the "C" word for years and consider myself very empathetic, but when it hits your family directly, it feels different. A dear cousin of mine shared her cancer story with me in 2017, as well. I had no idea she went through this and kept it from most of our family. My heart was broken, but looking at her now, I was also so inspired.
Children, such as Emily Ringham, will always be my heroes! Emily and I met at the Crystal City St. Baldrick's Foundation event in Arlington, VA several years ago. Emily shared her story of being diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 10 and how it changed her life. Her childhood was stolen from her, but she does not exude anything but positive energy. She is an incredible and inspiring young lady. I feel honored to know her and her incredible and supportive family. To see her story, from her own perspective, please watch this video: https://vimeo.com/89211247.
This year has been even more emotional for me, having been touched by the "C" word by four members of my family, to include my fRamily! I shave in solidarity with children and adults fighting for their life! But, childhood cancer research is extremely underfunded. So I decided to do something about it by raising money for cures.
Now I need your help! Will you make a donation? Every dollar makes a difference for the thousands of infants, children, teens, and young adults fighting childhood cancers.