(The Beacon)
By Mikel Johnson, Guest Commentary -- johnsomi11@up.edu
Natalie Portman once shaved her head, and she was still beautiful. Britney Spears shaved her head too, only to solidify the widespread belief that she is, without a doubt, crazy. I'm not crazy, and I'm not conceited enough to compare myself with Natalie Portman, but I am determined: I'm going to shave my head.
Growing up, we worry more about little things than we do about the larger problems of life: losing our allowance or impressing that cute boy in math class, issues that are insignificant in the long run. I once believed there were some things that could never touch me, things like burglary or major car accidents. As I grew up, I slowly realized how possible those things were, but there was one reality in particular I did not face until recently: cancer.
When I smoked Marlboro Reds, I gave the excuse that no one in my family ever had cancer, even if they smoked too, but I can't use that excuse anymore. My mother, who works out every day, doesn't drink, smoke or go tanning, eats healthy and has taken every precaution she knows of in order to not get cancer, was diagnosed with breast cancer a month ago. Instead of letting worry overcome me, I decided to put my energy toward fundraising for cancer research.
Together, Holly Duffy and I have created a Relay for Life team called Breast Friends. Breast Friends has a huge goal: We want to raise $3,000 by April 16 for the American Cancer Society. In order to do that, we want to give some incentive as well as make a bold statement. That's why, when we reach our goal, I am going to shave my head.
Even if I end up looking more Britney Spears crazy than Natalie Portman beautiful, it's a statement I want to make.
If you want to help us reach our goal, come to Breast Fest on April 10 at 4 p.m. in the Mehling Ballroom, check out our Facebook group, "Brave. Bold. Bald. Help Breast Friends in the fight against cancer!" or look for the team Breast Friends on the Relay for Life website.
Mikel Johnson is a senior English major. She can be contacted at johnsomi11@up.edu.
