St. Baldrick's Event

This is Vinny.  He will turn 5 in October.  For the past 10 months, Vinny has been battling an ugly, destructive disease called cancer.  It's in his brain.  He's had radiation, chemotherapy, the works.  He's been poked, prodded, operated on, had a g-tube inserted when he was so depressed he refused to eat.  He's had fits of rage and tears that lead to high, high temperatures, forcing him back to the dreaded hospital.  Every Thursday, Vinny receives his chemotherapy.  The only thing that stops this is if his body is too sick to handle it.  This little boy is a hero to many, including his teachers. 

This Saturday, a fund raiser was held at a local Irish pub called Finnigan's.  Finnigan's hosts a team from the organization St. Baldrick's.  95% of the money raised goes to support childhood cancer patients and their families from area hospitals.  In essence, it's a shave-a-thon.  Josh volunteered to be shaved and raised crowd support for everything including his beard.  (which went for $50)

Vinny's pre K teacher, Amber, was also with us.  She and her husband Steve had come to support Vinny and to see Josh.

9 children were honored last night- 7 fighting for their lives and 2 who had lost their battle with childhood cancer.  When you're looking into the eyes of these little children, your own hair suddenly seems like a gift.  And why not use that gift to raise money for these little soldiers? That was my crazy thought that slipped out to Vinny's Mom.  That was all she needed.  

Together, we raised $500 for the cause.  In retrospect, we should have asked for a lot more!  

We were able to donate my hair to Locks of Love. 

Amber was calm and cool through it all.  She's always wanted to do this.  I have not!

Here's the final product.  Crazy, isn't it?

If you would like to donate, please click here!  :)