After five years of growing it out, the time has finally come to cut and donate nearly 24 inches of hair from my head. Instead of raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society (as I have in the past), this time around I am choosing to fundraise on behalf of Niamh's Next Step. This charity was started by a loving family in an effort to "raise awareness of Neuroblastoma, and funds to help other families and children diagnosed with this vile cancer." 

My oldest brother, paralympian Josh Cassidy, was born with Neuroblastoma, and had to endure many operations as a child in order to rid him of the cancer. Although he won his battle, it left him paralyzed from the waist down. However, if you know Josh at all, you know that no wheelchair could ever set him back. He is one of the most determined, courageous, inspiring, and loving individuals I know, and I can't even imagine what I would be- what this world would be- without him. 

Josh met little Niamh and her family while he was racing in the UK, and began promoting her family's efforts to raise money for the extremely costly treatments she so desperately needed. Sadly, the cancer did not subside, and Niamh was taken from her family at much too young an age. Niamh was/is such an inspiration for Josh, just as he is for me and everyone else around him every day. Therefore, it is with every ounce of love and thankfulness inside me that I am fundraising on behalf of Niamh's Next Step. Please join me in my efforts- let's do some good :)