3.23.2006

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...

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey girl. You still look gorgeous!...Your parents should be proud, not only do you have one of the most symmetrical & perfectly-shaped heads I've seen (a result of their good genes), you've got a great heart and a kind spirit. I'm sorry I missed it- I stayed up til 3am with work, but I was with you in spirit. It's definitely admirable...so let your head get rubbed :-)

utenzi said...

It's a wonderful thing you did, Diane. Raising money for cancer research and such. However you might want to don one of those wigs real soon. You still have a killer smile, Diane... but hair is nice. I think Steph is trippin' BTW, who's your hot friend that's rubbing your head? :-)

zerodoll said...

you do still look gorgeous and you did great! be proud.

TamWill said...

I am in awe of you Diane - Simply stated YOU ROCK!!

SassyAssy said...

You look great girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

utenzi said...

...and you're being awful quiet, Diane. Post saved-head syndrone, I 'spose. I hope you feel better soon. :-)

Junie B said...

you are a beautiful person. hair or no hair. inside AND out.

great going! what you accomplished makes my little personal feat of my race yesterday seems insignificant!

rock on!!

AMS said...

it looks great!! i dread to think of what i would look like minus hair!

David said...

Still very beautiful. It is a great thing you did :)

Anonymous said...

Diane,
You are drop dead gorgeous, with or without hair lady!

And so very beautiful inside and out, for what you did.

3T

mollymcmo said...

diane, you are simply amazing, inside and out. what an awesome gift of love.
your are cute with hair....and without :)

m