Shine On.

Today I was sitting in the common area of my residence hall, goofing off with some friends and procrastinating on homework. I happened to glance up from my computer and I saw something that I couldn’t believe. Standing before me was a strange, bald person with no eyebrows. His face strangely resembled that of an old man and obscurely reminded me of my own image mid-treatment. Only when he started talking and I heard his voice did I recognize this person as my beloved friend, Jamie.

Jamie, Dawna, and Matt are all co-founders of something called Shine On. The purpose of this event is to raise money and awareness about blood cancer through a multitude of school-wide events, culminating in head shaving. All money will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Although the large head-shaving finale event is only occurring on the 26th of February, Jamie and other members of the swim team decided to shave their heads early for their final swim meet. So far, Shine On has received several pledges from students and teachers to shave their heads. Also they received a pledge from the cafeteria staff saying that if they receive at least $1,000 in donations, all nine of them will shave their heads.

Not being able to recognize Jamie brought back the frightening memories of not being able to recognize myself when I lost my hair, when I lost my eyebrows, when I lost weight, when my face was swollen from steroids or other treatment, or my eyes were hidden in deep, dark circles. To think that all of these people at my school are doing something so bold just to show that they care about those who are ill means the world to me. They say that actions speak louder than words. Well, right now the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is screaming at the top of its lungs.

Three bald heads are better than one.

From left to right: Me, Jamie, Sam.

I drew a face on the back of Jamie's head.