Stories

I know several people that have been afflicted with cancer and I have always wanted to help. When Amanda told me about Buzzing4Change, I knew I had to get involved. At first I was sure that I wasn't going to cut my hair and just volunteer at the event. But recently I have decided that I will be cutting my hair at the event. Please support me!

When I was 5 years old my sister, at the time age 7, was diagnosed with the soft tissue cancer Rhabdomyosarcoma. My sister displayed symptoms of the cancer as a result of childish horse play between me and her. Being a terrible little brother the horse play involved ‘head butting’ her in the stomach. Later that day my sister displayed signs of swelling and bruising that would not go away and after a couple days my parents, furious with me, took her to the hospital and the cancer was discovered. At that age I was getting ready to enter into kindergarten and I did not understand the severity of the situation but I did understand that the circumstances were not good. My sister fought a strong and courageous battle and was able to defeat the cancer. Some of my earliest memories were going to the hospital and visiting my sister during her recovery. I even remember helping her pull out her hair after her first round of chemotherapy. Naïve at the time I thought it was fun, looking back on it I realize how scared my sister must have felt. My sister and I have remained extremely close throughout our childhood and now early adulthood. I’ve decided to buzz my hair for Buzzing 4 Change as a way to honor and recognize my sister and the courage she exemplified during her fight with cancer. As a result of my family’s experience with childhood cancer I understand the importance of giving support to children fighting this disease and to their families. I am extremely happy that I am able to support such a noble cause by Buzzing my hair and volunteering.

Hey, I'm Jessica. Originally, I did not plan on cutting my hair or actively fund raising. However, when I spoke with my friends about our interest in volunteering for the event on our campus, they persuaded me into cutting my hair. I didn't want to at first, but now I am whole-heartedly participating in this event and cutting my hair, not only to show my support for the cause, but also because I know someone else needs it more than I do. I am going to cut a lot of my hair off for Buzzing 4 Change! Support me and cancer research!

This is my first time doing this event, and I am really excited to cut my hair! I have been growing it out for over a year and am glad to be able to donate it to a good cause!

Every year, like Judah, I buzz in memory of my dad who lost his battle with brain cancer thirteen years ago. During my years in college I was known to dye my hair bright orange as a shameless publicity stunt in the week before Buzzing. So this Sunday that mass of hair is going away. It's time to take that weight off my shoulders once again. If you happen to be in the DC area on Sunday please come and buzz, volunteer, or donate! I'd love to see you there!

So I've thought about this for a very long time and I'm really excited to be able to donate so many inches. It should be around 15 I think. Well anyways please support the cause by donating or coming out to cheer at the actual event. You rock my world! Update- I will be buzzing my hair as a sign of solace for those who can't choose their hair style!

I cannot begin to count how many times over the past year someone has said to me, "wow...your hair is SO long!!" Check out the picture, it's down to my hips!! I was presented with the idea to bring Buzzing4Change to Pitt during my second semester as a freshmen...I am now in my second semester as a junior and still without a haircut (except for the occasional trim)! Long, thick, healthy hair is something that I am so fortunate to have and something that I really don't need in SUCH a large quantity :) I am SO thrilled to have this program at Pitt this year and am even more thrilled to chop off 10 inches of my hair to make a wig for someone who needs my hair way more than I do. Please sponsor me and join in Pitt's efforts to raise funds for The Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation! It's really that easy to change the world...

On January 2nd of this year, the world lost a sweet little 5 year old girl named Anna Mckinney to T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I never knew Anna personally, but her Dad was my 7th grade science teacher and wonderful mentor. Although I did not have a chance to meet Anna, I felt as though I knew her through her "caringbridge" website. Anna was a beatiful, caring, funny, and loving girl whose carefree spirit and huge smile were contagious. Unfortunately, Anna was forced to fight a long and grueling battle with Leukemia and at one point, lost all of her hair due to her chemotherapy treatments. I am cutting my hair for Buzzing for Change as a symbol of my support for young children going through the same battle as Anna did.