Longest two months..

As I was driving back to Shepherd, I would often wonder what people would say about my shaved head and how they might view me. The looks I recieved were very harsh from a lot of people at school. I hated it, especially walking to class every day or eating in the dining hall, because every where I went someone had an opinion of something. My experience thus far has shown me a lot about people and their "true colors". For me it's easy to accept people as they are, thin, over-weight, tall, short, African American, Hispanic, White or Muslim-I'm able to look past what most people can't. I love the differences each individual has and how diverse they are. It was very shocking just to see how I was treated even though I did it for a good cause. But what is worse is how the cancer patients are treated by others, when they had no choice nor voice in getting this terrible disease. I had people tell me what I was doing was mocking people who have cancer, that I looked stupid, constant stare down for five minutes and even sly smirks left and right. The "five minute stare down" happend often, I can recall studying in the library one evening and this girl sat down beside me, I didn't look at her until I felt this uneasy feeling, and as I looked to my right, there she was looking at me. I glanced at her then back at my textbook, and just sat there. She was so focused on the fact that I didn't have any hair and it made me want to say "Would you like a picture? It will last longer" Let me just say I was glad when she walked away because I felt like I could breathe at that point. That only showed how much stronger I will be come, and how much their opinon truly doesn't matter. No one needs negativity in their life, especially over something that shouldn't be joked about nor be directed towards anyone who has battled, is battling or lost their battle to a disease that can take your life away in a matter of seconds.

Though I had my share of down falls, I had some positive moments as well. Another student came to me and said thatnk you for what your doing and that it really meant a lot to her. An employee at Shepherd, said that they were proud of what I've done and hopes that it can shine the light on other people to even help someone general. That's the goal I hope to accomplish as I continue to write my blogs, I want to inspire others to help one another no matter how different they may be, and to truly show support for a wonderful cause.

Warm Embrace

March 20th 2011:

One of my sorority sister's and I decided to go to lunch before she left to go home. Before leaving the house I grabbed one of my head-bands, so I would be more comfortable in public. As we were seated there was an elderly woman and her middle aged son sitting directly across from me. I smiled at her for a second and back down to the menu. After we ordered the elderly woman came to my side and complemented my head-band, and then proceeded to ask if I shaved my head for the summer, or if I was battling or even a cancer survivor. I turned to her and said, "I actually shaved my head last night for St. Baldrick's and Locks of Love." There was nothing but silence for the next 30 seconds, that felt like an eternity. It was until she placed her hand upon her mouth, that I knew in some way she had been affected by Cancer. I sat as tears were falling down her face, and all I could think of was to give her a hug. I must confess that a hug from somebody who you have never met, can touch your life in a way that you never thought possible and even bring tears to your eyes. As I hugged her, it felt as though we've known each other for years, and that in some way we had a connection. We both slowly pulled away from the hug, and as we did she pointed to her son's head. In which she told me that her son has been battling cancer for a number of years, and that she was truly grateful for a young individual to do something in regards to helping cancer patients.

This experience alone has showed me that Cancer can truly impact someone's life in more than one way. It can help us become stronger, to appreciate every breath we take, or even to accept the differences that so many people have in the world. I've heard my whole life from teachers, parents, and family members, to realize the differences that people have and to never put a limit on them nor their ability of acheiving wonderful things. Everyone has the power in themselves to go beyond what people expect from them, even if they are battling an illness that can take their life. To merely fight every single day, or every breath, that many take for granted is extremely admirable.

I hope each and every one of you reading my blog, takes the time out at the end of the day, to tell your loved ones how you feel, don't criticize other people by what you see, and to truly live each day because you never know how quickly it can be taken away.

A lil about me..

Hello Everyone!
I'm Elizabeth, but to almost everyone I'm known as Betsy. I'm a college student at Shepherd University. I wanted to let you all know a little bit about who I am, and why I decided to shave my head. So here I go.

I'm a 21 year old college student, who is achieving her dreams every single day. I find inspiration in others, and absolutely love helping people. I've been blessed with a wonderful family, amazing sorority sisters,  and friends. I'm a very bubbly person, with a positive outlook on life. I love and possibly live to laugh with every breath. Sunsets, roses and smiles make me happy. I guess you could say, I value the little things in life, because in the end they have more meaning to me. I dislike rude manners, others who find it hilarious to make fun of people, and drivers who don't use their blinker while driving. I've learned a lot since I've graduated from high school, but even more about people since I shaved my head in March.

My reason for shaving my head: Let's face it, we all know someone who has had cancer, is battling or who has lost their battle, my only question is why not do something about it? My major goal in shaving my head, was to give a child with cancer a chance to have hair. For my curly hair to be made into a wig and in the end to have a smile on that child's face. A cancer patient was never given the chose to have their hair taken away from them; it was just taken. Something that was part of who they are or how they can be remembered. I can recall growing up, and having naturally curly hair and hearing "I would kill to have your curls", or "I wish I had them!", but looking at it now, I was grateful to have hair. Shaving my head in March, not only gave me appreciation but for the opportunity to do something that can have a meaningful impact in my life and show my support. If I could tell you how many "weird" looks that I got after shaving my head I would be rich. It was so astonishing to see how people responded. One thing I wanted to do before coming home for spring break, was to speak to each of my classes and to let them know what I was doing and to see if they wanted to be part of it by giving a donation. It was amazing to see how generous people can be and to see that they wanted to help.

As I continue to write my posts, and write about my experience for the next year I hope you all find some inspiration, or comfort. I can express to you all now that there will be posts that are very positive while others can be sad. I will be very honest in each post and hopefully make a difference in one way or another.