On May 7th, I will be shaving my head to raise money for the St Baldrick’s Foundation; an organization which helps raise money to combat pediatric cancer. I was the target age that St Baldrick's works with when a diagnosis of pediatric cancer was a legitimate concern for me.
As you know, I’ve suffered from severe migraines all my life. I was in 5th grade when I first went to a pediatric neurologist because my usual doctor was afraid that I was developing a brain tumor or other serious neurological condition. I didn't know how serious the concern was at the time. Mom, however, still talks about how as we were walking into the hospital, she saw a kid, about my age, coming towards us with their head bald from chemo. That sucker punched her, knowing that child could soon be me.
I was never found to have a cancer, and after I was in my late teens, my doctors stopped screening as frequently.
This August will mark 15 years of my having the same intractable migraine, but it isn’t cancer. When I shave my head on May 7, my hair will grow back, and I'll still have migraine. However, I hope this will not only be a way to show acknowledgment for my own migraines, but more importantly, recognition of how very different, and difficult, life must be for the kids who are dealing with what I avoided.
I’m asking you help by sponsoring me, so that kids who are dealing with pediatric cancer can continue to get the support St Baldrick’s brings.
As you know, I’ve suffered from severe migraines all my life. I was in 5th grade when I first went to a pediatric neurologist because my usual doctor was afraid that I was developing a brain tumor or other serious neurological condition. I didn't know how serious the concern was at the time. Mom, however, still talks about how as we were walking into the hospital, she saw a kid, about my age, coming towards us with their head bald from chemo. That sucker punched her, knowing that child could soon be me.
I was never found to have a cancer, and after I was in my late teens, my doctors stopped screening as frequently.
This August will mark 15 years of my having the same intractable migraine, but it isn’t cancer. When I shave my head on May 7, my hair will grow back, and I'll still have migraine. However, I hope this will not only be a way to show acknowledgment for my own migraines, but more importantly, recognition of how very different, and difficult, life must be for the kids who are dealing with what I avoided.
I’m asking you help by sponsoring me, so that kids who are dealing with pediatric cancer can continue to get the support St Baldrick’s brings.
Thanks,
GR
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