Remember, Bald is Beautiful!

OK, everyone. Now, I try not to come around too often with my grubby little hand out asking for money, but brace yourself because this is one of those times. No pressure, no obligation, but I would like to tell you about an organization that I think is great.

Some of you who have been reading about Finn's journey for awhile, which is probably most of you here because I don't know who else would be reading this site, will recall that last year, Eamonn shaved his head for an organization called St. Baldricks.




March 17, 2007: Finn, Eamonn and Declan post shave.


Well, this year I volunteered to be on the organizing committee and Eamonn is once again shaving his head for donations. There is talk that Declan also may shave his head, but don't bet the farm on that one.

Anyway, I'm a big fan of St. Baldricks. This will be the third year here in Eagle and the goal this year is $35,000, which is a lot for a small-ish town like ours. It will be a huge achievement if we make it!

St. Baldrick's began as a casual conversation between friends and is now the world's--THE WORLD'S!--biggest volunteer-driven fundraising program for childhood cancer. In eight years, events have taken place in 18 countries and 46 US states, raising over $34 million, and shaving more than 46,000 heads. Thousands of volunteers shave their heads in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family.

The money goes to hospitals for pediatric cancer research. Nationwide Children's Hospital, where Finn was treated in Columbus, and Denver Children's are both recipients of St. Baldrick's money. They also award research fellowships, which I didn't know until a few days ago. Anyway, it's pretty cool to think that the very programs where Finn was being treated, and was a part of a study, receive the funds we're working to raise.

Last year we found out about the event just days before and Eamonn figured he's have time to raise only $100 or so. Instead, thanks to our faithful CaringBridge readers, he raised $1,115 in just two days! That was crazy and overwhelming. So this year we're shooting a little higher--$1,000.

If you're so inclined to sponsor this year, you can do so directly from Eamonn's St. Baldrick's page. Ooooo, hope that link works.

In other St. Baldricks news, my role on the committee is to do promotion. Nothing like going out and grandstanding about myself. . .I mean Finn. So today the local newspaper was here to talk about the fundraiser and Finn's journey so far. I'll post links to the story when it runs, which may possibly be next week. A photographer is coming on Sunday. Excellent. I plan to lose 20 pounds before then so I don't look fat on camera.