Skip to main content

Getting some perspective while shaving my head!


The posts on this blog usually relate to updates in divorce law and advice on how to experience a better and less traumatic divorce.  Divorce is considered to be the second most traumatic event a person can experience, and we find that helping our clients get through that experience is fulfilling work.

But last weekend, I participated in an event where many of the people had experienced the most traumatic type of life event: the loss of a family member to cancer.   At the One Mission Kid's Cancer Buzz-Off, 450 participants and their families gathered to support the families of kid's with cancer, and the event was an amazing success that I was honored to be a part of it.

While I am lucky to have two healthy daughters, there was a time in my oldest daughter's life where she had to spend one month in the hospital.  It was the hardest thing my wife and I have ever experienced, and I can't imagine how hard it is for families with children in cancer treatment which can last, not just months, but years.

So when I heard about the Buzz-Off event I decided I could put my long hair to good purpose and through the generosity of more than forty donors, I was able to raise more than $1,500 for the event.  Overall the 450 participants raised $560,000.

This past Saturday, June 3, 2012, I attended the Buzz-Off with my family to fulfill my promise to those donors of shaving my head.

The Buzz-Off was held in the club seat section at Gillette stadium and was very well organized.  There was face-painting and balloon animals for the children and the head shaving kicked-off around 9:30 A.M. with Rob Gronkowski starting things off.  After Rob, there were numerous interviews with the families that were shaving their heads together.  While I waited for my buzzing at 11:00, I listened to the reasons that so many others had been inspired to raise money as well.

One story in particular stuck with me, where a father described how he and his boys were shaving all of their heads in memory of their 18 month old child who had died of cancer.  All of us were there to help families just like his, and his strength in memory of his family's sacrifice was truly moving.

So if you see me in the next few weeks with my buzzed hair, consider it a reminder of the real sacrifice that many families experience and remember that whatever you may be going through, a little perspective never hurts.  I hope by sharing this experience with you that you will find it as inspiring as I did.

I want to thank everyone who donated and supported my involvement in this event.  If you want to learn more click the below links for:

More information about One Mission's Buzz-Off program;

Pictures of the Buzz-Off 2012;

Registration for the Buzz-Off 2013; or

You can still DONATE for the 2012 event until September.

THANK YOU!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

2024 U.S. Presidential Party Platforms - What are the policy positions that could affect families?

While the laws that affect family formation, marriage and divorce are often made at the state level, there are also many policies and laws at the federal level that affect families and children.  Just some examples from recent years that have impacted families in my mediation practice include changes to the federal tax laws (such as  the elimination of the alimony tax deduction ) and U.S. Supreme Court rulings on same sex marriage and reproductive health rights.  In just over a month, the United States presidential election will have a significant impact on these federal policies going forward, and could choose the next appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court as well. In 2016 and 2020 we shared what each presidential platform said about families and policy regarding family formation and dissolution, and below we'll provide you an update on the 2024 presidential platforms.  As Maya Angelou said, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."...

Massachusetts Family Court Financial Statement - Instructions & Best Practices

During a divorce, or other case in the Massachusetts Probate & Family Court that involves your finances, such as a child support case, you will likely be required to file a court form Financial Statement.  In Massachusetts there are two versions of this form: a "short form" if your income is under $75,000 and a "long form" if your income is $75,000 or more.  Many people find these forms confusing and we've compiled a list of helpful information for filling them out. First , to access the forms, the court has provided pdf or online versions here: Massachusetts Rule 401 Short Form Financial Statement (pdf) Massachusetts Rule 401 Long Form Financial Statement (pdf) There are also some basic instructions provided by the court explaining the sections of the forms and providing access to a Schedule A (for self-employed people) and Schedule B (for rental income): Massachusetts Rule 401 Short Form Financial Statement Basic Instructions Massachusetts Rule 401 Long F...

Can you Deviate from the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines?

When completing the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Worksheet , many people are surprised by the resulting amount.  The court treats the worksheet amount as presumptive, which means that the amount in the worksheet is likely to be ordered by the court unless there is a good reason to deviate.  A common question in mediation between parents (both married and unmarried) is: If we agree to a different child support amount than the worksheet (or no child support at all), can we opt out or agree to a different child support than the guidelines suggests? The short answer is: sometimes.   In order to receive a Judgment from the court (whether in a divorce or an action between unmarried parents), the court requires the filing of the Child Support Guidelines worksheet.  However, there is a list of deviation factors in the Guidelines that the court can consider for ordering a number different than the worksheet.   When people are proposing a deviation tha...