Thinking About Helping Cancer Research, Why Not? Tia Did.
Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, native and UW-Parkside student Tia Rittorno, recently went “bald for cancer.” At a fund raising event held on Sunday, February 28th, hosted at Doyle’s Eatery and Pub for St. Baldrick’s in Richmond, Illinois, Tia shaved off all her hair for children’s cancer research.
Unfortunately, Tia’s family has close ties with cancer. Her 10-month-old cousin, Tyler Eppers, has been diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma, and her grandmother, Nancy Samuel, has recently gone through treatment for Esophageal Cancer. Malignant Melanoma is a tumor that originates from melanocytes (the cells that produce the pigment melanin that colors our hair, skin, and eyes). It is an uncommon disease, but with each year, the diagnosis increases. Esophageal Cancer (cancer of the tube in your throat that pushes the food and liquid down for digestion), is the 8th most common cancer and causes about 12,000 deaths per year. With the commonality of cancer in her family, screening would be advised. “I’m not sure if it is hereditary. It seems like everyone is getting cancer these days, but it could be a possibility.”
Despite the statistics, Tia was eager to help out. “I heard about it [the cancer fund raising] while I was at Doyle’s Pub and Eatery. They were hosting a St. Baldrick’s event while I was there, but I have never heard of the organization before.”
St. Baldrick’s is a Children’s Cancer Research Organization based solely on finding cures and treatments for various types of cancers. Cancers such as Wilm’s Tumor, Ewing’s sarcoma, leukemia, osteosarcoma and several others are some of the few that for which St. Baldrick’s researchers are trying to find cures. Being a non-profit organization all of the proceeds goes towards research. Also, if there are researchers who are not involved with St. Baldrick’s, but would like a grant, this organization has an application designed specifically for them.
In 2009, St Baldrick’s raised $16,639,920, and already at the beginning of 2010, they have raised $7,487,250 and counting. With increasing volunteers and sponsors such as Barbicide, Best Buy, Deloitte and Touche and Miller Coors, the potential cures and treatments are helping children every day. “I haven’t put much thought into putting together an event like this, but I’m interested in participating in St Baldrick’s again in the future. I think everyone should.” ß Who said this quote?
To host or participate in an event in your community, contact St. Baldrick’s by website, http://www.stbaldricks.org/, or by telephone, 888-899-BALD (2253). Tia Rittorno did her part for cancer research, why not do yours?