In the early 80s, mother-in-law had breast cancer. She was in remission for about 13 years and the cancer recurred in her intestines. She underwent chemotherapy treatment and eventually had a bone marrow transplant. I told her when she lost her hair I would shave my head. She would not let me, telling me, "Your hair is too beautiful to shave." I honored her request. Sadly, she lost her fight against cancer in 1996.
My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation. In 2010, THS Student Council decided to host "Bald for Bucks." At this time, I decided this would be the perfect time to honor my mother and mother-in-law and their hard-fought battle with cancer. Due to a job I had, I did not want people thinking I was undergoing cancer treatment, so I had my hair cut to one inch in length.
The Student Council then decided that THS would host Bald for Bucks every other year. I went totally bald in 2012, 2014 and 2016.
Sadly, my mom's cancer came back in the spring of 2020. Bravely, she underwent chemotherapy and she was cancer-free for about 6 months, but my mom lost her battle with cancer in June 2021.
I have had other family members that have been affected by the following cancers: breast, prostate, pancreas, skin, liver, leukemia. I have a cousin and coworker who are currently battling cancer that have been found on their hearts.
We are very fortunate to have researchers, doctors, PAs and nurses at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center here in WNY. Roswell is a great asset to our community, helping people and their families who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Shaving my head is my way to honor those who have been diagnosed with cancer and undergone the long, arduous treatment they have had to endure.
This year's Bald for Bucks is May 15 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the High School Gymnasium.
Anyone interested can sign up (with a parent) at this link, Bald For Bucks, and begin raising money to fight cancer. You can shave your head, or if that isn't in the cards for you, you can have a strip of your hair colored. You can also help raise money without doing anything with your hair.
Permission slips for the day of shaving/coloring/styling are available online when you register, outside the main office, by the Bald for Bucks Display Case or by seeing:
Mrs. Fendrick - Room 131
Mrs. Jachlewski - Room 224
Mrs. Hoepfinger - Room 209
Mrs. Russell Room - LMC