Why shave my head? It is a question I have been asked multiple times since I made the decision a few months ago. The truth is there is not one sole reason I made this decision. It was multiple little callings telling me that I can invoke change if I set my mind to it. However, I cannot say that my decision to stand in solidarity was just because of those voices alone, because I cannot begin to explain my passion for childhood cancer research without mentioning my first friend, my best friend, Emma Jordon.
Emma and I met when we were four years old. Both of our fathers were stationed at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. We were two of the three girls who spoke english at our otherwise flemish-speaking preschool. To say that we hit it off would be an understatement. In our short time that we were together overseas we became the best of friends. I have countless memories of easter egg hunts, barbie doll playdates, and sleepovers. Even after she moved away we remained close. Which some would consider odd, since we were so young, but in a military community that’s just how it is.
After she moved away, the next time I saw her was after she had been diagnosed with Wilms Tumor. She had already been undergoing chemo and lost her hair, but she was still Emma. Fun, loving Emma. That time we had together is something I will treasure my whole life. I did not know then that this time that our families together would be the last time I saw Emma.
She was diagnosed when we were 5 years old, and after a long two year battle, Emma peacefully passed. I can remember the day my mom told me this news, and how my seven year old mind couldn’t really comprehend that she was gone. We still had so much of life left to live. And yet she couldn’t.
I strongly believe that if Emma was still here today we would be best friends. Because as a military child, when you meet someone you really connect with, and you know you have a max of three years living in the same place, you do not let that bond go. So that is why I’m doing this. To honor a beautiful girl with an iridescent soul that was taken to early.
It would also be important to note how much, or should I say how little money goes towards funding childhood cancer research. Currently only 4% of the nations funds go to childhood cancer research and since children cancers are very different than adult cancers, they require different treatment plans, medicines, etc. It is unjust how these young children suffer in pain while their childhood is spent inside hospital walls.
Every two minutes a child somewhere in the world is diagnosed with cancer. Emma was one of those children. With foundations like St. Baldrick’s and the donations of everyday people, those children have a chance of living a long, happy life they deserve.
