Please take time to read our story and thank you for visiting our page!
The short version:
Our 12-year-old asked to shave his head to support those who have cancer. Last week, a young man we've known since he was a child was told he is in molecular remission after being diagnosed with leukemia 3 years ago and taking treatments since then. In celebration, our son this week, with support of his siblings and of course, us parents, DID shave his head in hopes to bring more awareness for all cancers and to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Please help him reach his goal.
The long version:
Just three years ago, our neighbor and friend called to share the news her son, having recently graduated college and taken a job as an engineer, was diagnosed with leukemia. He had worked hard and by the end of college was tired; yet he interviewed and landed a job he wanted. He moved away to Detroit, and the fatigue he thought was senior finals/stress didn't lift. Still tired, he became sick, went to the ER, and after a few hours, called his mom to have the ER doctor tell her what they found. He couldn't say the words to her himself.
Our family has known this young man since he was about 8 years old. Last week, our friend called to give the best news. This young man is in molecular remission and he's coming home this weekend for a celebratory visit! Our whole family clapped and cheered. We've shared in their emotions through these years and this moment truly feels victorious. It's a moment for happy tears.
When we asked our kids to think about a special gift we could give to this young man, they put on their thinking caps. Not 5 seconds later, 12-year-old "A" stepped forward and asked to shave his head as a fundraiser for an organization that supported this family, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He felt secure within himself that he could handle the reaction from others and use it as a means to express solidarity with those who are or who have been diagnosed with cancer. Due to the fact that this young man is visiting this weekend, and all of us wanting to see him then and convey to him how much he's been in our thoughts, we needed to move quickly. With short notice, our son yesterday shaved his head! Even though he did this from his heart, he also is doing this for donations--hopefully yours.
Our family has been touched by cancer, too, in the not too distant past. Some never had the chance to have this kind of celebration. Just a few short years ago, we said our last goodbyes to our dear uncle from pancreatic cancer, the same cancer that ten years ago took our beloved great aunt. Just four years ago, we prayed and gave thanks when the kids' grandmother came through her breast cancer. This does not include friends, some about whom the kids do not even know have or have had cancer.
Although "A" had asked months ago to shave his head for cancer, he felt exceptionally compelled to do it now so that this weekend, when we see this young survivor, even at this juncture of his journey, at the celebratory point, he will know without a doubt that people have been lifting him up the entire time. It's a short timeframe, but we are committed to making this happen. Our other children, "M (10) & "R" (8), who is around the age of the young man when we first met him, made posters and are ready to collect offline donations as another option to give (please let us know if you prefer this option).
"A" wants to use his head to visually express his care and he wants others to help by giving donations to show that when someone's wish is just simply to live and to have the best treatments and support for that opportunity, while they focus on living, the rest of us will direct our efforts to helping them do just that. Donating now for those we've loved and lost, for those who are still fighting, for those who have yet to fight, and for those, like this young man, who are celebrating, is a small way to keep hope alive. Here's wishing for us all to live in health with happy tears. Please help us.
And Alex, although you won't see this until after we see you, we cannot wait to celebrate YOU! You are strong, you are brave, you are loved, and you endured! You have a beautiful, blessed life yet to live.
THANK YOU FOR READING AND CONSIDERING A CONTRIBUTION.
Jodi, Ryan, "A", "M" & "R"
