Bald & Beautiful.....by Emily Sassman

If any one of you are planning on shaving your head but are worried about what other people are going to think of you, I can help. 

I can tell you the most common question that people will ask you.  

Be prepared, it is a bit shocking. 

"Does your head get cold?" 

Yes, that is the most commonly asked question thus far. 

My personal favorite question was asked by a nice southern old man in my local Target.  He asked  "Are you in theair force?".  I said "no sir".   He look at me for a moment and then asked, "Then why did you do that to your head?".  I then explained to him about St. Baldricks and he thanked me for my service.  He was wearing an army hat and so I thanked him for his. 

It was probably one of the coolest moments I've ever had. 

Let's backtrack and I'll tell you about the big day. 

I got my head shaved at an event hosted by Valpo University.   My grand total was $235.00 which, in 19 days, is totally awesome.  I'd like to thank everyone who donated to this amazing cause. 

So I went to VU and watched a girl about my age shave her head first.  She looked so beautiful, and it made me feel so much better about shaving my head.  I was planning on going around noon, but then a man approached me and asked me if I wanted to be part of a photo opportunity.  They picked five people and shaved the phrase V-A-L-P-O with each person having a letter shaved into their head.  It was myself, and four huge guys. It was very cool.  I was the V.

I was able to donate my hair.  So the nice lady cut off my pony tail first and then it was just a deep breath, a few swipes with the razors and I was bald.

 I have to say that I love the way I look.  I feel more confident now then I ever did with hair.  

It's just me.

I feel so natural.

Just me.

It's scary, but awesome.  The most important part is that this experience has allowed me to tell people about St. Baldricks charity.  I have found that not a lot of people have ever heard of it!  I am so glad that I did this and I do not regret it. 

My mom called me the other day and broke down.  She told me that she had just found out that the principal of her school's daughter was just diagnosed with cancer.  My mom was against me shaving my head and she said "I have never known anyone with a child that has cancer.  There is nothing you could ever do that would make me stop loving you".  

I feel like it was meant to be that I shaved my head.  There are still moments where I forget and I am always touching my head (it is super soft - everyone else touches it too).   But, I love my bald head. 

Bald and beautiful, 

Emily Sassman

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