I am personally aware of many rhabdo moms that have participated in past St. Baldrick’s events.  These special “mommas” shaved their heads to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer, usually including their own children with cancer.  Their experiences have brought many humble tears to my eyes as I read their blog entries describing their feelings and emotions in hopes that someday their sacrifice will help eradicate cancer.

Today, I received an email from a Wacky Warrior – Michael Barron.  Michael has supported Nick and our family for several years, including our inaugural Wacky event – the Philadelphia Broad Street Run.    → 

His email was particularly touching as I read about his friend, Tom Walter, and his Wake Forest baseball team.

Nick’s Wacky Warriors just donated $500 to St. Baldrick’s Foundation, in memory of Nick and to support finding a cure for childhood cancer.  This is what Wacky is all about.  May God bless Michael, Tom and his 27 team members for their effort to fight childhood cancer.  Here is their story:

“Good morning family and friends –

I am writing this email on behalf of my good friend Tom Walter, a great man and true leader. Tom and I graduated from The Hill School together back many years ago. Since then his talents and passion have taken him far, he is the head baseball coach at Wake Forest University.

Many of you know of Tom, as he gained country wide recognition last year for his “giving spirit.” In a story that transcended highlights, he donated one of his kidneys to an 18 year old freshman on his team named Kevin Jordan. You can read the original story below:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/baseball/2011-02-07-wake-forest-walter-kidney_N.htm

Those of us who know Tom realize that this story does not define him… rather it exemplifies the type of man he is today as well as the kid he was when we first met more than 25 years ago. 

A year later, Wake Forest is off to a strong start, they are 10-4 (winning 9 in a row) and in last night’s game Kevin Jordan hit his first home run as a Deacon.

Last night after the game he sent me the following email:

MB –

‘On Saturday March 17th the Wake Forest baseball team will take on the NC State baseball team.  More importantly, both teams will be fighting the cause to cure cancer in kids.  In support of this fight we have 28 team members (26 players and 2 coaches) who are getting their heads shaved.  Yes!  ALL the way shaved…no guard.  Each individual is trying to get sponsor(s) to pledge towards their shaving.  I ask you to consider making a small donation.  If you are interested go to the following link and follow the directions below.

http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/541530/2012

There is an icon on that page to make a donation to my head shaving.  You all know how much I LOVE my hair!  So step to the plate and help us make a difference in the lives of children around the world.

If you have the ability to attend the game we’d love to see you there.  We’ll have several children at the game in various stages of their fight.  It is sure to be an inspirational day for us all.

God Bless you and yours.’

Tom is once again leading his team and his community by example. I admire him on many levels, but first and foremost because he walks the walk. This morning I made a donation to Saint Baldricks in memory of Nick Raitt, a friend who lost his valiant battle with cancer last spring.

If you are able and willing I would ask that you join me in making a donation and NO you do not have to shave your head. I will see Tom in North Carolina later this month and promise to post pictures of the entire team’s “new look.”

I appreciate you sharing this story to any that you think might be willing to join us.

Most Gratefully

Michael Barron”