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Taking cuts at cancer

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Inspired by Las Cruces firefighter Mat Hall, and a program called St. Baldrick’s, I shaved my head to raise funds for children’s cancer research. I did this four years in a row from 2010-2013.

Mat and his wife lost a son to leukemia, and launched a successful Las Cruces edition of the national St. Baldrick’s campaign because, well, it was at least something he could do.

Inspired by friends who are currently battling cancer, I’m going to shave my head again, and hope you’ll respond by making donations because, well, it’s at least something I can do.

My goal is to raise $3,000, a thousand dollars each to the three great local programs listed below.

Saturday, May 13, at City Barber Shop, one of the Mirabals, whose shop opened 65 years ago, will give me the big buzz.

Until then, I’ll be asking folks to pitch in. If you’re willing to give, contact me at 575-526-4712 or richard@lascrucesbulletin.com.

Cowboys for Cancer Research – Almost certainly you are familiar with this group. They’ve been around since 1982, and grew out of friends’ love for cancer victim and rodeo girl Alma Cohorn. It started as some friends gathering for a team roping, and grew into the force behind Tough Enough to Wear Pink, and joined with New Mexico State University to create the biggest Pink campaign in the world. Their mission is to fund research to help treat the disease and move toward a cure. C4CR, as they have become lovingly known, has research endowments at both NMSU and the University of New Mexico. Learn more at www.c4cr.com.

CARE (Cancer Aid Resource & Education) – Another grassroots organization that started from the passion of a very small group, CARE works to address the “financial toxicity” of cancer. The disease itself is bad enough, but all the additional costs often ruin families’ wealth. CARE works to provide services and support in small and large ways. From giving people rides to medical appointments, to helping someone pay a utility bill if their power is in danger of being shut off because they had to pay so much for their medical expenses. CARE was founded by sisters Yoli Diaz and Leticia Soto, who saw the many struggles their father, Emilio Rigales, faced when he contracted lung cancer. The organization celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Learn more at www.carelascruces.org.

Cancer Warriors Las Cruces – This brand new group is currently focusing on women’s cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancers. And though the group is new, the name behind it is familiar. When local entrepreneur Marci Dickerson was diagnosed with breast cancer, she quickly learned the many unexpected struggles of the illness. For example, you’re so sore, you can’t lift your arms. And apparently, there are some disgusting issues with drainage. “We all know cancer sucks,” Dickerson said. “Our goal is to make it suck less.” Kits with needed creams and special shirts and other support items cost $130. Those kits, and the support of a strong sisterhood, can make a big difference. Learn more at facebook.com/cancerwarriorslc.


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