Some actions speak louder than words.
Jill Houck of Marion is about to make a bold move in support of kids battling cancer that most of us would consider kind of crazy – at first. But talk to Houck about why on Sunday she will allow someone to shave off her strawberry-blonde strands, and you will see that Houck is not just out to raise money for the support of children battling cancer by walking the traditional walk. She is making a sacrifice that will linger for longer than just one day.
In exchange for donations to benefit the children and their families touched by cancer, Houck promises to completely shave her head on June 8 during the Kid’s Cancer Buzz-Off happening at Gillette Stadium.
Participants in the buzz-off raise money and have their heads shaved in honor of all children going through cancer treatment who did not choose to lose their hair, showing that bald really is beautiful – especially from the inside.
This move is just one for Houck in a year that she has dedicated to enriching her life through helping others.
“I’ve decided to do a year of service and trying to do better at giving back,” said Houck, who had her own brush with cancer over two years ago when she found a lump in her breast. “It led to a lumpectomy, but it ended up not being cancer … I was lucky.”
Houck wanted to set an example for her children by giving back to the community and demonstrating how thankful she is to be healthy.
“Healthy, and thankful, and grateful,” said Houck. “Those are powerful things.”
Houck learned about the Kid’s Cancer Buzz-Off last year, and she said she felt tempted at the time to participate, later deciding to go for it this year and set a challenging goal of raising $800 for the cause. Houck has met her goal, raising $1,200, and still going.
“This is something simple that I can do, so I thought I’d do it,” said Houck. “There have been so many generous people so it’s great.”
Houck was hoping her children might be inspired by her bold move and willingly have their own heads shaved in solidarity, but they left it up to Mom who is preparing herself mentally for the first time she looks in the mirror on Sunday and witnesses a harsh reality that is part of the challenge of battling cancer for many people.
“I am a little bit nervous,” said Houck. “Mostly because people might think I’m sick. And I don’t want that.”
She said she has asked herself the question several times, “Can I be bald?”
But if there is a bright side, Houck will find it, and she pointed out that, hey – it is summer, and what better time of year to be bald?
“I feel like it’s a small price to pay,” said Houck, “compared to what all these kids have to go through.”
If you would like to support Houck by sponsoring her in the buzz-off, you can visit the event’s official webpage at www.buzzforkids.org, click on where it says, “Sponsor a Buzzee,” and enter Jill Houck in the individual search bar.
By Jean Perry
