I'm shaving my head to raise money for childhood cancer research! Did you know that kids' cancers are different from adult cancers? It's true. 

A few years ago I was at the salon getting my hair cut. My hair was super short at the time. One of the girls asked if I would ever consider participating in St. Baldricks. That was the first time I heard about the event. Over the years, I’ve researched it more and thought about it a lot.

I have never been closely affected by childhood cancer, but I know many people who have.

About two years ago, one of my best friends told me about a close friend of hers who’s daughter was diagnosed with DIPG. An inoperable brain tumor found in children. I followed the family’s journey including the loss of their young daughter from this awful disease.

Last year, another close friend told me about a boy in her daughter’s kindergarten class who was diagnosed with DIPG. This family lives in my community. I had met the boy, very briefly, at a birthday party before his diagnosis. I am following their journey as well. They just received heartbreaking news this weekend regarding progression of the tumor.

Two days ago, a former coworker posted about her young cousin who is fighting a battle with cancer and was put on hospice care.

Frequently, my old roommate posts about his young cousin who is fighting an ongoing battle with cancer.

THIS is why I decided to participate in the St. Baldricks event this year. I can’t even begin to imagine the heartbreak and struggle these families go through. Childhood cancer research is grossly underfunded. I want to do my part to help fund the research that will save the lives of children who receive a cancer diagnosis. I hope you’ll consider helping out as well.

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.