I had the thought of shaving my head recently and the thought of it terrified me. Then I remembered that I have the privilege of choosing if I wanted to do it whereas cancer fighters don't.

My relationship with my hair has never been easy. I started noticing my hairline recede when I was as young as 16. Fast forward to when I was 23 and I was diagnosed with male pattern baldness. The medication I’m on helps, but it could stop working at any time. That uncertainty made me think about how much importance we place on hair. It shapes how we look, how we feel, and how others see us.

So, I decided to shave my head in solidarity with those who’ve lost their hair fighting cancer.

All proceeds will go to breast cancer research; in honor of my mother, a breast cancer survivor, whose strength and resilience inspires me everyday.