As I was checking my e-mail this morning I was pleased to get the following message from my son Pete. Pete is now a resident of Alaska and a student at the University in Fairbanks. Most recently he has joined the Steese Area Fire Department and recently left dormitory life on campus and moved into the fire station. It was good for my soul to read his message today. I’m passing on his message to give a little exposure to his departments cause and to remind everyone that giving and sharing are important spiritual fitness exercises. I’m proud to be associated with the public safety professions that are so active in their service and giving to the community.

Hey everybody, about 6 months ago I joined the Steese Volunteer Fire Dept. in Fairbanks, Alaska, and am currently a Live-in firefighter/medic for them. Every year, members of the fire service participate in a program called St. Baldricks. Here’s the little thing on what it is:

“It’s that time of year again! The eighth annual St. Baldrick’s Day events are Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids’ Cancer as thousands of brave volunteers shave their heads in solidarity with children who have cancer and typically lose their hair during cancer treatment.

Worldwide, more than 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. While advances have saved many children, childhood cancer still claims the lives of more children in the US than any other disease – more than diabetes, asthma, congenital anomalies, cystic fibrosis and AIDS – combined!

Funds raised by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation will be used to fund childhood cancer research – to help speed the day when every child with cancer will be guaranteed a healthy future.

On behalf of all children with cancer, thank you for your support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.”

So basically what happens is I let my hair grow out until March 16th, and then get it shaved completely, in honor of the brave children who lose their hair as they go through treatment . Forty-six children are diagnosed with cancer every day. Over the last twenty-five years, the incidence of childhood cancer has increased every year. Forty years ago, childhood cancer was almost always fatal. Today, through the advancements in diagnosis and treatment, 77 percent of the children with cancer can now be cured. Despite this remarkable progress in research and treatment, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children.

In the first year as an independent foundation, St. Baldrick’s Foundation raised more than $5.3 million. Last year, they raised $8,334,840 in 271 locations around the globe! It was all made possible by the generous donations of people all around the world.

We hope to obliterate last year’s total, but we will need lots of help. If you would like to make a donation, I have mentioned that I myself have signed up. You can donate to the foundation by visiting my page here:

http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/shavee_info.html?ShaveeID=1586#

I am also a member of the Steese Fire Department team. If you would like to make a donation to my team, please click on this link:

http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/team_info.html?TeamID=139#

No donation is too small, and any donation is greatly appreciated. If money is not something that is feasible for anyone, I completely understand and another way you could help me out immensely would be just to get the word out. Forward this to any coworkers, family, friends, ANYBODY that might be interested in helping out a great cause.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line anytime, you can also call me at 612.554.4495 or 907.457.3710

Thank you so much for any help you can give, no matter the amount. Take care and stay safe,

Pete Carlson