In the fall of 2012, I received an email that described a heart-wrenching scene: not feeling well one night, the parents of a young girl took her to the hospital and within a couple of days she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The email came to a group of credit union staff all over the country from an attorney whose practice focuses on helping credit unions. The email was about his daughter and explained why he would have limited availability until Catherine and her family won the battle against this disease.
Todd, Catherine's father, kept the group updated with her progress. She was on prayer and dedication lists all over the Southeast, in the thoughts and hearts of a multitude of people (many of whom had never met her), and she was held in a bubble of love by her family and the doctors and nurses who cared for her. I remember reading one email early on where Todd said she was concerned about losing her hair, and I thought, "I'll shave my head with you, Catherine!" Unfortunately, I didn't get to share this sentiment with her.
I know I'm not the only who smiled and rejoiced when she would turn a corner...or shed tears when the progress reports were heartbreaking.
When I decided to shave my head this year for St. Baldrick's, it was a no-brainer about who to honor. As I was creating my account, though, I decided to go one step further and create a team to honor the memory of Catherine Sherpy. While I never met her, I feel like I know her strong, vibrant, joyous, tenacious, and loving spirit, from Todd's reports. It is really when any one of us is facing the hardest times that our true natures shine, and from what I read about Catherine, she was a powerhouse of joy and faith. I continue to be inspired by her!
Will you please consider making a donation to St. Baldrick's in honor of Catherine? I have researched St. Baldrick's, and appreciate knowing that a majority of the funds raised go to finding a cure for childhood cancers and helping families deal with these devastating diagnoses. I will be shaving my head as part of this fundraiser on March 22nd.
Of course, if you wish, you can go one step further and shave your head with me as part of this team to help raise money, too. I would LOVE for you to join me in this fight against childhood cancers!!
For those who know me, I don't just support any old cause. This foundation is legit, just like Catherine's fight! Love you all!!
