AN OPEN LETTER: “I Will Be Shaving My Head, Beard and Eyebrows (for the Sake of the Kids),” by Rabbi Marc Wilson
Written by admin2 on February 4th, 2009Filed under: Themes, Tumour Humour
by Rabbi Marc Wilson
AKA “Rabbi Rugless”
Dear Folks:
So sorry for this mass request, but it’s for a good cause.
This March 8th (2009), I will be shaving my head, beard, and even my eyebrows!
Correct: I am going with the Britney-look to raise money to cure childhood cancer through an event called St. Baldrick’s Day. I ask you to support me in this worthy activity.
St. Baldrick’s Day was created as a result of a challenge among friends. Their idea was to transform an annual St. Patrick’s Day party into St. Baldrick’s and raise “$17,000 on March 17th.” Now in its 10th year, St. Baldrick’s is expecting to raise $17 million!
Since it’s inception in 2000, St. Baldrick’s has raised more than $34 million and grown into the world’s best-known program for childhood cancer research. It’s not surprising that the cause is so compelling. Despite tremendous progress against the disease, childhood cancer remains the #1 disease killer of children. In fact, 22% of the children diagnosed today will lose their battle. Fortunately, researchers believe a cure is possible within our lifetime—provided the funds are available to find it.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation grants event proceeds to research organizations like the Children’s Oncology Group, whose 5,000 members and 230 institutions collaborate to speed progress against cancer more quickly than if hospitals worked independently; and to establish St. Baldrick’s Fellowships, to encourage promising new medical professionals to pursue pediatric cancer research as a specialty. Our local Children’s Cancer Center is a recipient of St. Baldrick’s funding.
Unlike many of the children who face an uncertain future, I am fortunate enough to know that my hair will grow back. So, if a little off the top and sides will help save the life of a child, it’s a small price to pay.
May I ask? Would you please sponsor me to look ridiculous, but in empathy with a child whose baldness is real—this worthy cause?
Whatever you may do would be wonderful, but would you please consider a pledge in the range of $100 or more? For the sake of the kids . . . the sake of the kids. Last year, Greater Greenville raised $50,000. This year, we’re on to $100,000. With your help, my own contributions will rise from $7,000 to $10,000, y’hear?
You may make a tax-deductible donation to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation by sponsoring me to shave my head and beard. To do it and learn more about the event and the cause we support, visit:
St. Baldrick’s Foundation – Find A Participant – Rabbi Rugless – Shavee Information
If you would like to donate by phone, please call 888-899-BALD.
ONWARD . . . For the sake of the kids!
(Rabbi) Marc Howard Wilson
FYI: He’s done this before!
Free association with Rabbi Wilson:
“A bald, beardless rabbi?
A Velcro implant to keep my yarmulke in place?
Does Manischewitz make green wine?
None of that is important.
What’s important is saving the lives of innocent children from inexplicable suffering and death. Help them. Please help them.
Don’t give ’til it hurts. Give ’til it feels good!”
5
PM
Great commentary! I especially like the very last tidbit – “Don’t give ’til it hurts. Give ’til it feels good!”
To emphasize the act, I think it would be good to include a picture of your magnificent hair and beard before you shaved the first time. In my mind that took guts, courage, emotional fortitude and was really a G-d inspired decision.