Jadrian, you're currently undergoing treatment, but you didn't lose your hair. Why did you decide to go Totally Baldacious?

When I was diagnosed with CML, I didn't know what to think. The whole process was pretty scary, but as I learned more about my treatment and prognosis, I knew I was one of the lucky ones. There are so many other people who are dealing with cancers or treatments and not responding nearly as well. If shaving my hair helps to raise awareness and money for cancer research and treatment, it's a small price to pay. I hope my story and experience inspire others to help as well.

Are you shaving your head for anyone in particular?

A friend of mine, who was diagnosed with CML shortly after I was, has not responded to the same treatment that works for me, and is facing a bone marrow transplant very soon. This is one small way that I can walk beside him and lend him strength on his own journey forward. My dad fought and won his battle with colon cancer a few years ago, and his strength and character throughout my life are also of unending inspiration to me.

How important has the support and solidarity you've received meant to you during your treatment?

It is invaluable. Knowing my friends and family are there with me every step of the way means the world to me. The community of fellow survivors online welcomed me warmly, and the forums provided me with a platform for educating myself about leukemia, its treatment, and new advances.

We have a number of support resources available online -- from the Blood Cancer Discussion Boards to online chats. Have you taken advantage of any of these resources?

I delved deep into the community knowledgebase in the online discussion boards immediately following my diagnosis, and am grateful for the outpouring of news and support from its members.

What LLS resource have you found the most helpful?

For me, the discussion boards have been the most helpful.

You've filmed your hair being shaved! (View Jadrian's video here above).  What a great video! How else are you promoting your participation in Totally Baldacious online?

Via Facebook and Twitter, of course, as well as on the community pages for the LLS   and the Totally Baldacious campaign itself! I'm excited to see response videos on YouTube of other people around the world going Totally Baldacious as well, so if you've got 'em, post 'em!

It's clear this year's Valentine's Day is one you won't soon forget.  Thanks for going Totally Baldacious, Jadrian, and helping emphasize how important it is to show solidarity and support for all cancer patients!

 

How many soap fans out there?  Come on, don’t be shy.  Here at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, we play favorites.  The hands-down winner is NBC’s The Days of our Lives.  Aside from entertaining audiences for more than 40 years with plot twists and cliff-hangers, drama and romance, the show has played an important role in educating people about LLS.

In 2002, Chloe, a leading character, was diagnoses with leukemia.  Following her story, the audience learned about the threats of this disease and the struggle to find a matching marrow donor.  The other characters joined together organize events, donate money, form walk teams and raise money for The Light The Night Walk.  Take a look at this scene, which originally aired on September 20, 2002, where Roman and Kate end a heated argument to participate in walk.

The show has been a invaluable supporter of Light The Night.  In these last six years, they’ve featured the event several times, tied in fundraisers and included stories touching some of the most popular characters.  And we love every minute of it!