September 15th was our annual St. Baldrick's event at Finnigan's Wake. They are always amazing hosts and every year the event gets even more personal and powerful. This year was no exception.
We were blessed with a beautiful day and a great crowd.The kids quickly got in on the action and were helping in any way they could. It's heartbreaking that cancer kids and their families have to work so hard to raise the money desperately needed for research, but at the same time it is empowering for them to feel like they are doing something to help. Vinny and Julia center stage...
Such a beautiful lady inside and out! And Roger, your skills at the mic were awesome as always!!
Love it!
Some of our beloved Camp Brenner warriors and their siblings...
Daddy has shaved in past years, but hadn't planned to this time. You never know what will happen at St. Baldrick's, if the price is right!
Every year the kids look forward to shaving Dr. McLean's head. Here he is catching up with Jackson before his turn in the chair.
This year Dr. McLean wasn't alone. Dr. Castellino's sweet son joined him...
As well as the head of the medical school and 8 of his med students...
One of our sweet little leukemia warriors. Her uncle is one of our pediatric surgeons and her dad is an oncologist. Cancer spares no one.
And in another sick twist Mason's elementary school teacher now has a front row seat to the cancer world as her own daughter, Sofie, battles Wilms' (like Julia)...
It just keeps happening!
I am always touched by the children that choose to shave. Some do it for siblings or friends, others just to make a difference. Precious Aiden had a huge heart and smile...
This year was the year of the teacher. The majority of the shavees were teachers this year. Their love for children could not have shone any brighter. This sweet 3rd grade teacher came to the event to support a friend. She had no intention of shaving her head that day. She was so moved by what was happening she had to do something. Over $1000 was raised on the spot and her hair was prepared for donation to Wigs for Kids. I had the privilege of holding her hand as she was shaved and telling her and the crowd what her act meant to cancer mamas like myself. It is a moment neither one of us will ever forget.
Beautiful head and a beautiful heart!!
Our friend Brian (another teacher!) shaving for the brother he lost to brain cancer when they were both children...
It was an amazing day that we will always remember- so many passionate and generous people united in the fight against cancer. It was a long, emotional day for everyone....even the superheroes...
This year the event earned over $40,000!! This will be added to the pot which is now past $32 million for 2012. Where does all that money go? Click here to see for yourself. We love you St. Baldrick's and all your shavees, volunteers, and supporters! Thank you for seeing a need, caring enough, and doing something about it. In seven years, they have made research grants totaling over $100 million. Our own hospital has received one and we know precious little lives that are here today because of findings made by these grants.
Though the theme of the event is to shave your head bald to raise money, the shavings also take on another level of challenge. Often times people will donate additional money for eyebrows, beards, or for some hair to be left in a particular style. This trend was very big this year...
One of the hardest moments of the entire day is when we take a moment of silence for our angels. This year they read the name of 45 precious children we have lost in the past two years. It is times like this that it all just feels like too much. The sobs come and my heart feels like it will split in two. We knew everyone of those children whose names were read and mourn with their parents and siblings at lives lost too young. We miss each one of them so very much. Mason's mom bravely faced the day to be a part of the event. Mason earned his wings just a few months ago...
So thankful we have a way to fight back. For our little warriors that day it was with brooms, dustpans, and smiles. They all did such an amazing job. We are so proud of the way they helped and spoke throughout the day...
And the most adorable little bald head. Now that is cool...
It was an amazing day that we will always remember- so many passionate and generous people united in the fight against cancer. It was a long, emotional day for everyone....even the superheroes...
Thank you for giving the priceless gift of HOPE!
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