“Ask me why I’m bald.” These are the simple words on the bold yellow pins that the St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser shavees proudly wear to invite questions about their newly bald heads. By sacrificing their own hair, these individuals stand in support of everyone affected by “kid cancers,” and seek to educate people about the Foundation’s work.

St. Baldrick’s started on March 17, 2000, when three philanthropists encouraged 19 people to shave their heads at the Foundation’s annual St. Patrick’s Day party to raise donations for the Children’s Oncology Group. The dedicated trio beat their fundraising goal of $17,000 by more than $80,000, raising a total of $104,000. This successful beginning got the ball rolling. In 2012, St. Baldrick’s shavees reached another milestone by raising $30 million helping the Foundation reach $100 million.

St. Baldrick’s advocates for specialized treatments for all young people affected by cancer, including: infants, children, teens and young adults. The Foundation also works on addressing funding needs for more rare forms of cancer that afflict people in these age groups. Additionally, St. Baldrick’s promotes continuing treatments for young cancer survivors who are at an increased risk of experiencing other chronic diseases later in life, which can be brought on by cancer treatments.

My personal interest in St. Baldrick’s mission is the organization’s commitment to supporting treatment by pediatric oncologists for young adults battling cancer. According to research from the Foundation, this approach can increase a patient’s survival rates by approximately 30 percent. Indirectly, it can also mean more support for a patient’s family. That is why, on March 28th, I donned the signature green St. Baldrick’s t-shirt, and with a little bit of fear watched as puffs of my black curls fell to the ground and mixed with hair from others who had shaved their hair before me.

I committed to be a shavee, because, as a young person in college, I found what I feared was breast cancer. What was scary for me was crippling for my parents. Luckily, a lumpectomy proved my tumor was benign; however, I still regret what my family had to go through.

I am proud of my new look, but remember how terrified and embarrassed I felt in college considering the possibility that among other things I could lose my hair. Now I am happy that my bald head attracts attention. I feel lucky this was a choice, and I can speak candidly about why I wanted to show my support in this way. Every day since, I have had the opportunity to spread the word about St. Baldrick’s very important work, with the hope that eventually no kids will have to experience the fear of cancer.

So please, ask me why I’m bald!

One of the most meaningful things I do during the week is volunteering with Share our Strength (SOS). This inspirational organization has pledged to eradicate childhood hunger by connecting kids to effective nutrition programs (e.g., school breakfasts and lunches over summer break). They also help to make their flagship campaign, No Kid Hungry a reality in Washington, DC, through Cooking Matters—a program that teaches families how to shop and cook healthy meals on a budget.

Every year, SOS hosts Taste of the Nation events in cities around the country. These gatherings bring together some of the best chefs in America to help raise money and awareness for the childhood hunger epidemic. For the last 26 years, the Washington, DC, event has become a tradition and it wouldn’t be a success without the tireless work of hundreds of volunteers who believe in SOS’ mission. Individuals do everything from recruiting sponsors and coordinating on-site operations to event promotion and working with corporate companies to get auction items.

My volunteer experience includes supporting SOS’ annual Taste of the Nation event in Washington, DC. While Taste revolves around food and drinks, SOS focuses on ensuring that everyone in attendance remembers why they are really there—feeding children across the United States. This fearless goal is one that I believe in and why I remain committed to help make this special event happen. For the past four years, I have spent my free time volunteering with the Taste of the Nation restaurant committee. Our team of approximately 10 people reaches out to restaurants to encourage their participation and help with promotion. More than 90 restaurants participated at this year’s Taste of the Nation event. Together, this event embodies the attendees’ collective pledge that there will be a day when there is no hungry child in the United States.

I feel strongly about the work that is done with the money raised at events such as this. All proceeds from Taste of the Nation go towards feeding the one kid out of every five that goes without a meal on a daily basis. The fact that 20 percent of kids go hungry is a scary statistic, but it’s also one that I know can be changed. We can all make a difference and I choose to make mine by putting my time and money towards SOS’ worthy mission. To learn more about SOS or Taste of the Nation check out their website or click here find a event near you.

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