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. And 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.
March 6, 2018, will be the 12th year that I have participated in the St. Baldrick's event in Douglas County. Five years ago I was added to the Knights of the Bald Table. The Knights of the Bald Table are volunteers who have participated with St Baldrick's Foundation for 7 years.
As a Community, we have raised over $300,000 to assist in scientific research for new cures to combat cancer.
We have all experienced a loss or have been touched by cancer whether from family, or knowing someone with cancer. It is our responsibility to assist the doctors working to find a cure for this disease. Please take time to read about this organization and the wonderful things they do for the children who have fought and are fighting for their lives.
Over the past 5 years St. Baldrick's has raised over 187 million dollars to fund research in finding a cure for childhood cancer. Worldwide, 160,000 kids are diagnosed with cancer each year and despite tremendous progress, cancer remains the number one disease killer of children in the U.S. and Canada. “Each day, families of kids with cancer tell us a cure is not enough. These grants will not only help save lives, but will improve the quality of life for patients and survivors.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation awards more grants for childhood cancer research than any organization in the world, except the U.S. government. Expert researchers receive funds to search for new cures and less toxic treatments. Young researchers receive funds that will enable them to flourish into the leading experts of tomorrow. Experts at more than 200 institutions where kids are treated for cancer receive funds from a multi-million dollar cooperative research grant. This will help give kids everywhere the best hope for a cure and long, healthy lives.
Now for the story of Chase Kluth my oldest son, he was 11 years old when he was diagnosed with a Teratoma Brain Tumor in the middle of his brain. This was my biggest nightmare. He was a normal active 11 year old; playing soccer, baseball and inline hockey, and his family was his biggest fan. He also was a very good student at Ute Meadows Elementary School, he participated in the science fair and had one of his paintings displayed in the library for a period of time. He also enjoyed building and launching Estes Rockets. He spent part of each week living with his mom and dad. Even though his parents were divorced, they spent as much time as possible with him during his extended illness.
Chase was treated at The Children’s Hospital and underwent surgery to remove the tumor on February 17, 1998. Chase suffered post operation complications and spent the next three months in the hospital. After extensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy, Chase surprised all of his doctors on the extent of his recovery. When he left The Children's Hospital Chase could not walk, talk, or eat on his own, by the end of August 1998, he was eating, walking, talking, and attending a special needs school in Jefferson County.
On September 15, 2000, Chase was re-diagnosed with reoccurring Germinoma Brain Tumors and underwent additional medical treatment. He fought a tough battle and died on August 10, 2002.
This is the twelfth year that I have shaved my head at the Douglas County St Baldrick's event. I shaved my head in solidarity with Chase when he was undergoing his cancer treatments. I will never forget when Chase thanked me for shaving my head and I told him that we were twins.
