Shelley Dee Photography: Thursdays Thanksgiving {Locks of Love} Marin, Napa, Sonoma County Photographer...Shelley Hohe

Today I am thinking of how thankful to God I am for our children and their health. It always saddens me when I hear about anyone who is suffering because of some disease like cancer, especially when I hear of a child who is battling with it. Cancer is a serious disease to where we are all hoping and praying that a cure will be found.

In the meantime there is a wonderful community out there full of support from St. Jude, American Cancer Society, Lance Armstrong Foundation, Lalya Grace Children's Cancer Research Foundation even Locks of Love. Even with all the support out there , I can't even fathom the thought of having a child go through this. That is why I am so thankful, blessed and moved by our daughter wanting to donate her hair last November!

Out daughter Katelyn decided over 3 years ago that she wanted to grow her hair out just so she can get it cut and donate it to provide hair for a little girl who might have lost all of hers due to treatments. It all started when we used to watch Extreme Home Makeover and Katelyn was always so touched and grateful that after every episode seeing a child sick with cancer, she would express how she wished she could help out in some way. Then we watched a movie called "Letters to God" which is a heartfelt tale of inspiration, hope and redemption for a young boy who is fighting cancer. It was at that point she told me she wanted to donate her hair. Every time we used to get her haircut she would always be so close to the length it needed to be to donate until the last time which was in November, all because she made it her goal to do this.

Today I am not only thankful for our healthy children, but I am thankful for the supportive community out there doing all they can to fight his terrible disease. If it weren't for these foundations, Extreme Home Makeover or movies who share about what is going on, our daughter might have not known the impact this disease has on kids like her. I am just so thankful that we as a family do know and that even if it's just our daughter donating her hair, (who I believe has such a loving, compassionate heart that is filled with Jesus) it's a start and it's giving something to someone in need!

Below is Katelyn getting her hair cut and to make this even more special, we were so blessed to have her Aunt Debbie cut her hair. BTW she is AMAZING with hair and you can find her at Avante Hair Salon in San Rafael!