In June 2023, our world changed forever.
Our daughter Kaylee was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, and suddenly life looked very different than it had just days before. We didn’t know what to expect once treatment began. The road ahead felt overwhelming, filled with questions we didn’t have answers to yet.
Doctor visits, surgeries, chemotherapy, and long hospital stays quickly became part of our new normal.
But through it all, Kaylee amazed us.
Day after day, she showed a strength and resilience that took our breath away. Like so many children fighting cancer, she didn’t get to choose the challenges she faced. She didn’t get to choose losing her hair. She didn’t get to choose the treatments or the difficult days that came with them. She simply faced them with courage.
That courage is what inspires us now.
Kaylee during treatment vs. Kaylee now
This year, I joined my husband, Jason, in braving the shave for childhood cancer research at the Stamford Reinsurance Event with his work team, Odessey Re. I shaved my head, and Jason shaved his beard. It’s something we chose to do—one small way we can honor Kaylee and the thousands of kids who are fighting battles far bigger than they ever should have to.
Today, Kaylee is 11 years old and two years cancer-free, something we are endlessly grateful for. But we know there are still too many families who are just beginning this journey.
That’s why we’re doing this.
We want to bring attention and awareness to pediatric cancer. Every step we take in support of this cause is because of Kaylee. She is our why.
As the shave approached, I felt a mix of emotions. I was a little nervous because it’s something completely outside my norm, but I was also excited for what it represents. Kaylee faced losing her hair without a choice, and her strength continues to inspire me every single day.
I also want my girls to grow up knowing that true beauty comes from within. Sometimes we step outside our comfort zones to stand up for others. If shaving my head helps raise awareness for pediatric cancer and honors Kaylee’s journey, then it’s more than worth it.
Right before the shave, my nerves kicked in—but so did the excitement.
I’m incredibly grateful to Meghan, a stylist from Sport Clips (a National Partner of St. Baldrick’s), who shaved my head that day. She was kind and encouraging the entire time, talking me through each step as my hair came off.
Meghan with Kaylee and Justina
When the moment finally arrived, it was emotional in a way I hadn’t expected.
And now that it’s done, I feel incredible.
I’m proud that I did it. There’s a deep sense of strength and purpose in knowing that this small act can help support kids and families facing pediatric cancer. It means more to me than I can truly put into words.
If there’s one thing I would share with anyone thinking about doing something like this, it’s simple: take the risk.
Life is short, and it can change in an instant. Our family learned that in the hardest way possible. But even in the middle of life’s most difficult moments, we still have the choice to show up, to be brave, and to try to make a difference.
Justina and her husband – before vs. after
Whether it’s shaving your head for St. Baldrick’s or stepping outside your comfort zone to support a cause that matters, those small acts of courage can mean everything.
They bring hope.
They bring support.
And they remind families like ours that we are not alone.
