Story Category: Healthnet »

“Your child has cancer.” Every week day, 46 families in the United States hear these words. This September, during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, 46 Mommas are gathering together in unity to shave their heads for childhood cancer research for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The shaving event will take place in Washington, DC at Union Station on September 21 at 5:00pm.

In 2010, our inaugural team took the name 46 Mommas Shave for the Brave and established a fundraising goal of $1 million for The St. Baldrick's Foundation.

The number 46 is important to the Mommas. It represents the number of children diagnosed with cancer every week day in the United States. Statistically, 20-25% of these children will not survive1. For certain types of childhood cancer, the numbers are more dismal. For example, a cure remains elusive for kids with DIPG, a rare brain cancer with less than 10% surviving 18 months after diagnosis2. An even smaller percent will live five years, the standard measure of survival for cancer patients. Awareness is the key, as it brings much needed funding. Approximately 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is dedicated to childhood cancers3 and only $5 million of the $150 million in funding promised from the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act has been appropriated. The lack of funding is a large reason so few breakthroughs have been made for childhood cancers compared to adult cancers.

Mission Statement:
We ARE 46 Mommas on a mission to raise awareness, raise funds for research and inspire others to help fund a cure for childhood cancer. Each year a new class of 46 Mommas is inducted into the cause to empower and engage mothers of children with
cancer. The number 46 is significant. On average, each weekday, 46 families receive the news that their child has cancer. Through increasing awareness of childhood cancer and raising funds for childhood cancer research by shaving our heads, we hope to one day be a group that no longer needs to exist.

Awareness=>Funding=>Research=>CURES

Our goals:
? Raise $1 million for St. Baldrick’s Foundation's childhood cancer research programs
? Hold an annual head shaving event, uniting cancer mommas and their families, to help raise research funds.
? Increase awareness of key childhood cancer issues in our local communities
? Advocate to increase funding, both nationally and locally, for childhood cancer specific issues
? Collaborate with other childhood cancer organizations to help produce a strong, united
childhood cancer community.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation is the world’s largest volunteer driven fundraising program for childhood cancer research. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation currently funds more in
childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. St. Baldrick’s headshaving events are the fastest growing volunteer-driven fundraising opportunity for childhood cancer research. To learn more visit www.StBaldricks.org.


For event information about 46 Mommas Shave for the Brave,
contact: info@46mommas.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

46 Mommas Information
Website: www.46mommas.com
Team Page: www.stbaldricks.org/events/46mommas2011
Facebook: www.facebook.com/46Mommas
Twitter: @46Mommas (twitter.com/46Mommas)
St. Baldrick’s Media Area
www.stbaldricks.org/media-and-photos/

My name is Shelly Tilley, and I am proud to be one of the 46 Mommas 2011.I decided to join this group after childhood cancer affected my family in 2008. My daughter, Jessica, was 19 years old, full of life with a bright future, when we heard the words no child or parent should have to hear. “You have leukemia.” Our lives were forever changed.

Jessica was born December 17, 1988 in Calvert County, Md. She grew up here, and enjoyed time with friends, family, and pets. She had a passion for horses, and liked to spend hours on the farm with her horse, Snips. She graduated from Patuxent High School in 2006. She then worked for a company in St. Mary's County, Md. scanning documents for the government. She was well liked and had a close circle of friends.
   On April 28, 2008, she was taken to the ER for complaints of shortness of breath. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital for immediate treatment. She spent 10 months fighting, and enduring very harsh chemo, but spent every day with a smile on her face. She never complained. In December 2008, she went back to Hopkins for a fever,and was diagnosed with a fungal infection. After almost 2 months in the ICU, the infection had won, and Jessica was removed from the life support she had been on. She earned her angel wings on February 7, 2009. She was 20 years old, and a hero to everyone whose life she touched.

Please consider making a donation to this worthy cause. You can look me up on 46mommas.com, or stbaldricks.org. Thanks again!!!

Shelly Tilley is also involved in the flockings that we have showcased. Info can be found here: www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/23358