Inspiring Lives

Bowen69 · Newbie Joined: May 14, 2008 Posts: 1

Most of the people may consider childhood cancer as an automatic death sentence. But that’s not true. Although cancer has been a leading cause of death among Americans in recent years, the survival rates have increased greatly. Cancer can be a worse blow to the child and the family but the experience makes these children stronger and brings the best out of them.

To support such strong willed children in their fight against cancer is the aim of the St. Baldrick’s foundation. The foundation was started by three Irish-American executives who wished to turn their St. Patrick's Day party into a benefit for pediatric oncology research by shaving their heads, thereby showing solidarity with children undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Within a short span, it grew from a single event to a nationwide effort in a relatively short period of time. The event has so much of influence that those people who ususally shy away from the very thought of childhood cancer are compelled to support this cause after seeing the smiling faces of these brave children, watching their friends and family members proudly display their newly shorn head.

Each and every penny raised by the foundation is utilized in their effort to fight childhood cancer. The 2008 season is expected to be another promising year for raising funds to fight childhood cancer by shaving heads. This is the 9th year of St. Baldrick's events, and the 4th year of existence for the independent St. Baldrick's Foundation. Many organizations and individuals have come forward to make generous contributions to the foundation. These include Bob and Kerry Orlich, Francis & Rosa Feeney, Brynjolfsson Family, Mr. Timothy Gardner, The Shah Family Christian Fund, Mr. David Disiere among scores of others esteemed donors. The foundation recognizes the efforts of each donor and respects the conviction behind the donation.