Bald is...You be the judge

Though I cringe inside just looking at myself in these pictures, here is the proof that I lived up to my word and fulfilled my commitment to St. Baldrick's by shaving my head.

The event itself was quite an experience. Although the pub had over 57 shavees, I was one of only 2 women (the other female was a 12-year old girl) to participate. Many friends and colleagues came along to cheer me on and partake in some traditional Irish food and drink. In fact, we ended up having to reserve a room for 20 to accommodate "Diane Mandy's posse."

Though the mood was festive, the greater reason for the gathering was evident. Before I took the stage, the local TV personality who hosted the event took a moment to speak to me. "I want to thank you for doing this," she began. Do you see that little girl in the poster above you? That's my daughter. She died this fall of leukemia at 10 months old."I nodded, but couldn't express anything. I wasn't going to cry as my head was being shaved. I just wasn't.

Some in the audience did cry. Other friends laughed and cheered me on. I flashed a victory sign back to them all to let the world know that I was fine and happy to be part of this important charity event.

After it was over, I was amazed at the reaction of strangers around me. As I made my way through the pub, people thanked me and pulled out pictures of sons and daughters who had died of cancer.

Others bought me drinks and congratulated me on my bravery. More than a few men even hit on me. I wish I had charged a dollar every time my head was rubbed.

I want to send a special thank you to all of you who contributed to this worth charity. Although the Baldrick's website does not yet reflect cash and check donations, I managed to raise almost $1700 dollars to date for childhood cancer research. I could not have done this without your support and encouragement.

Although I cannot say at this moment whether I would do it again, it does feel good to know that I contributed to something greater than myself. I hope and pray that these research dollars aid in better understanding the causes and treatment of cancer whether childhood or otherwise.

Until there is a cure...