One Brave Shave for One Brave Soul - Jimmy is a WARRIOR

Why would I shave my beard and head after 24 years of growing it out? Because he is my little cousin and has been through so much in his 18 years of life, that I would do anything to help his family and him get through this battle with Leukemia.

My Cousins Story is below, written by his mother and is powerful and heartfelt so bring out the tissues.

Hello Everyone,

Jimmy is A Warrior: He has fought his whole life against all odds and has captured the hearts of everyone he has met. Eighteen years ago, I was told my son might not live past the age of five. He was born with Down Syndrome and faced open heart surgery with only a 40% chance of survival. But he made it through. He defied every odd, smiled through pain, and showed us what true strength looks like. He believes in God and in miracles, even though he has been through so many tribulations.

Over the years, he grew into a kind-hearted, joyful, and courageous young man. He faced challenges that would have broken most - but he always rose above them. We thought we had weathered the worst.

Then came the diagnosis no parent ever wants to hear: Leukemia. Another life-altering battle. Another mountain to climb. Jimmy was diagnosed with B Cell ALL - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Jimmy received a picc line and started chemotherapy treatment on Saturday, April 12. He has been placed on a 2.5 year chemotherapy plan. We have spent 20 nights so far at Nemours and with at least 2 to 3 more weeks ahead of us. There have already been complications with seizurer-like episoides that cause him to go blind and faint and episodes where he has full blown convulsions. Are days here just keep adding on and scares us everyday to what will happen next. When we finally come home, he will have a port in his chest and a feeding tube. There will be appointments for another 2.5 years for us to tackle till he is in the clear. He will be in the clear, he has all the faith! He makes me believe that too!

This year, instead of preparing for prom or senior graduation, he's battling for his life. He's missing out on those milestone moments so many take for granted. But in his place, he is showing the world what it means to be brave, to be resilient, and to live each day with hope, no matter what.

He is my hero. My miracle. My heart. And though the road ahead is long, he's never walking it alone. He will have me and his whole family! McMillan/McCleary Strong!

Shave for Jimmy: The Beard Comes off for Love

Here is the incentive to donate:

Since 8th grade, I've had a beard. I'm 37 now, That's 24 years of never shaving. Most people in this community have never seen me without it - my beard is part of who I am.

But for my little cousin Jimmy, I'll shave it off - every last hair.

Jimmy is a fighter, battling Leukemia and his mom (a teacher with Cecil County Public Schools) is staying by his side, taking unpaid leave to be with him full-time.

So here's the deal if we raise $5,000 by MAY 30th (his graduation date) to help Jimmy's family cover this time, I'm shaving off my beard and my head - LIVE

And whoever makes the highest donation gets to do the shaving.

That's right - you'll get to personally shear a beard that's been growing for over two decades. And we'll stream it live for the whole town to see.

Help make sure his mom doesn't miss a moment by his side, he has already missed his prom and possibly not make it to his graduation.

Please donate and share this post. Even $10.00 helps. Let's do something incredible together.

Donate here:

Tag someone who's never seen me clean-shaven. Let's make this go viral.

#ShaveForJimmy #SupportJimmyStrong #GoodbyeBeard #CecilCountyCares #HarfordToTheHeart