Nearly everyone has an unfortunate connection to cancer. Many of you know that mine is very personal. There is nothing worse than when it effects the ones you love, especially children.

But there is hope. Loma Linda University Children's Hospital and our cancer center have embarked on a number of groundbreaking initiatives that in my opinion will transform how we think about and treat cancer. This is one of the most important and meaningful initiatives I have been involved with.

This Giving Tuesday I want to invite you to consider joining me in supporting this cancer fighting effort. Of course, never any pressure. But if you choose to make a gift, regardless of size, please know how grateful I am! And more importantly, that you are making a incredible and meaningful difference for those who need it most. Thank you!

Pictures: My sister showing her sense of humor allowing me to "model" one of her several wigs. Her wig looks much better on her in the second picture! Heidi lost her multi-year battle with Leukemia in 1996. Fun fact: even though we grew up in North Carolina, she was born at Loma Linda!