You don’t realize how scared you can be, until someone close to you battles this awful disease.  When your best friend watches both his parents heroically fight a losing war, you think you understand.  But when it is your own mother telling you she has breast cancer, you finally get the unfortunate feeling that so many others have had, and experience the fear. A few years ago, a little girl from my son’s preschool was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma just two weeks before her 4th Birthday.  I realized at that moment, how ruthless cancer can be, and how it is non-discriminating and can affect any family at any time.  I know how lucky I am.  My mom is alive and well, my three young boys are healthy and strong.  If shaving my head helps any family dealing with this disease in any way, then chop away!  My hope is someday the word cancer will not be so scary.  It’s an honor to be able to do my part toward that goal.

I've been so blessed in my own life, including the birth and health of my 15-year-old twins. I'm also fortunate to have my own health, and as a result have been able to experience so many wonderful things. I felt compelled to participate in Cut for a Cure, in order to raise awareness of all the children who have been affected by this horrible disease, and to hopefully raise funds to help stomp it out! During the past five years I've been lucky enough to interview and spend time with many of these beautiful children and their families. I remain in awe of their strength and determination. Through their courage - I have learned not to take a single event, day or breath for granted. Persevering through my own sports injuries, both minor and serious; I used to think that I had fought a good fight. Now I know that I never knew the meaning of a "good fight" until I got involved with the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. These children are strong warriors and an awesome example to each of us. It's been almost two years since my last haircut, and now it's time to stand beside these children and their families, and humbly ask for your support. Every day, with every dollar, we get closer to a cure.

I am shaving in memory of all those who have lost their battle and in honor of all those who continue to fight.

The opportunity to raise money for cancer research was an easy decision for me. There are far too many people in my life who have been impacted by this disease. I am thrilled to support Pediatric Cancer Foundation and will be shaving my head in memory of my cousin Richard Casey, grandfathers Fred Martin and Ray Carswell. Shaving my head is also in honor of my sister- in-law Kelly Reynolds who won her battle with cancer.

I was diagnosed with cancer upon graduating high school.   As all my friends left for college, I spent a year going through chemotherapy with side effects including hair loss, as well as physical and emotional agony.  The impact it had on my family was just as devastating.  Now, as a parent of two children, it is even more evident to me what my parents and siblings must have experienced.  Cancer research is so important, as just twenty years prior to my diagnosis, there was no cure for the cancer that I had.  My wife and I were shocked to learn through The Pediatric Cancer Foundation last year, how little funding is available for children’s cancer research.  I am happily participating in this effort to raise awareness and money in hopes that we will see the day where no child has to be diagnosed with cancer ever again.  Consequently, I am honored to have my head shaved in memory of my Aunt Tracy and Aunt Carolyn as well as in honor of my fraternity brother, Alex, as he begins his battle with cancer.

VICTOR HEDMAN

I’m excited to be participating in Tampa Bay’s Cut for a Cure.   I know about the work Vinny is doing with his foundation for children with cancer and I’m excited to get involved.   Shaving my head to help both Vinny’s Foundation and the Pediatric Cancer Foundation was an easy decision.   I’m happy to help give back and raise awareness for children battling cancer.

I have been involved with the foundation since the early 90's when little Richard Casey lost his fight with cancer. As many have said pediatric cancer research does not get the attention or the investment, other forms of cancer do from the pharma community. I think it's our job to raise as much money as humanly possible to provide seed money to get that attention and find a cure for pediatric cancer through the Sunshine Project. There is no better cause than little kids with cancer and their families. I hope and feel certain that shaving my head will help shake some money loose from my friends and family.

I am shaving in memory of Camille Rawson, prayers for her wonderful family, and in honor of Dana Bertoch and her wonderful family.

It’s very humbling to me personally to see the emotional strength and courage of the children I meet who are battling cancer. I am shaving my head for all kids who are battling this disease and to let them know they're not alone and that there is hope. I hope that by participating in Cut for A Cure, my teammates and I will bring awareness in this community and the hockey community nationwide of the need to fund, and find a cure for childhood cancer.

Why not?                                                                                                                                           

My children are the most important thing in my life and I’m thankful for their health. I am happy to participate in Tampa Bay’s Cut for a Cure to help raise much needed awareness for childhood cancer. I’ve recently learned that more than 160,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer this year and if shaving my head can help raise money and awareness I’m all in. It’s only hair – it will grow back!

I am shaving in memory of my grandmother.

I think it is not fair to the kids who have no choice to lose their hair because of cancer. I hope the money we raise helps find a cure.

I am shaving in honor of Great Grandma Gould, Paul Brown and all kids who are fighting cancer.

It is an honor for me to support the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and give back to such a great cause.   My wife and I are thankful to be blessed with two healthy children and we can’t imagine how difficult it must be for the parents and the kids that suffer with this terrible disease.   The children that are impacted by cancer do not have a choice in losing their hair and I hope this small gesture will let them know how much they are loved and cared about.  I will be shaving my head in honor of Paul Brown & Aubrey who are both currently fighting this terrible disease.

I have been searching for a cause to be able to team up with, to contribute, show my support and to be able to give back to my community.   Pediatric cancer is the one that touches my heart.   I am participating in Cut for a Cure in memory of 5 year old Sammy Frisby and in honor of my father-in-law James Stark.  Help me with my crusade to make a difference for those children and families that are battling cancer and fighting for their lives.

Any parent, myself included can hardly bear to imagine the overwhelming journey a child and their family must take to fight cancer. Yet it is an every day reality for so many. These extraordinary organizations have made the difference between life and death for children. Personally I would like to honor a friend and neighbor, Harry Williams, a Vietnam veteran, father, grandfather and commendable athlete, completing over 20 marathons and 80 triathlons. In November after winning his age group in his first Iron Man Distance triathlon he was diagnosed with large B-cell lymphoma. Although he is in the middle of the toughest fight of his life, he doesn’t let cancer consume his life. He is an inspiration to anyone taking on this battle. Please Donate, truly every dollar will help cure a child!

I'm participating as an advocate of cancer awareness, education and clinical trials and a current Board Member of the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation.   All cancer patients and their families face a great challenge, but I'm personally never able to look into the eyes of any child and not see promise; children battling cancer are among the most determined human beings you will ever meet, their resolve beyond the comprehension any adult can fully appreciate. I'm doing this for my children and their bright vivid dreams.  

I am shaving in memory of my grandparents I lost to cancer and in memory of all the brave children that fight every day.

In addition to my other commitments and your support I'm also contributing $0.25 for every new Twitter Follower http://www.twitter.com/sparkerjr – spread the word!

Gavin and Garret never had the chance for a smile, a cry or a laugh as God choose them before they were born.  We are involved with PCF for the simple reason that all children deserve the chance to enjoy the experience of life.  We don’t want to see a single child robbed of this joy and will exhaust efforts until Pediatric Cancer is extinct.   Our family as well as the Tires Plus family encourage everyone who can, to be involved in Pediatric Cancer Foundation and make a difference in a child’s life today.

I am shaving in memory of Gavin & Garrett Persinger and in honor of Remi Storch.

I was honored when I was first approached about shaving my head in support of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. I realize that it is the least I can do to create awareness and raise funds for this deadly disease that takes too many young lives. I hope that by shaving my head, the kids out there who are fighting for their lives feel a little support from those of us who would like to see this disease cured once and for all.

I am shaving in memory of my nan, Marjorie Buckinham, and my grandpa, Ed Purcell.

I am shaving in honor of family friend Elda MacGarvey.

I lost my grandmother to cancer when I was in college.   We were very close and it was tough to see how cruel cancer can be.   I have also been blessed with two healthy daughters.   Seeing the work done by PCF is a sobering reminder of what families stricken with this have to go through and to never take a child's good health for granted.

I am shaving in memory of Carrie Jeanette Smolen.

I am honored to shave my head in support of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at All Children’s Hospital. Every time I step on the ice I fight a battle, but nothing like the battle that children face when diagnosed with cancer.   I have three young boys and I can’t imagine hearing the words “your child has cancer.” There is hope for a cure and that is why I encourage you to join me and my teammates in supporting this cause.

I am shaving in honor of Brittany Taylor, the daughter of former teammate Tim Taylor, who fought pediatric cancer and won.

Cancer is a very scary word for children and their families. Cure is a word I’d like to always see in the same sentence. If shaving my head can help find a cure and lessen the suffering for these kids, then count me in.

I am shaving in honor of my family friend, Kitty Lindow of Anchorage, Alaska.

My involvement with the Pediatric Cancer Foundation began five years ago when I learned how little funding exists to find a cure. I was shocked to learn that more money is spent annually protecting manatees in Florida than is spent worldwide on research aimed at finding a cure for pediatric cancer. While I am all for protecting the environment, I think our children should come first. I would be grateful for any donation that you could make to help in the fight to find a cure.

I am shaving in honor of Selina Neuma.

Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Inc. is registered with the Florida Department of Consumer Services to solicit contributions. Registration Number:  CH1916  "A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE"