AEM Goes Bald for Kids’ Cancer

Every 3.5 minutes, a family learns their child has cancer. Cancer is a devastating illness that no one should have to endure, let alone children. When American Equity Mortgage heard about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization who’s mission is to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, we knew we wanted to help support their cause. St. Baldrick’s has grown to become one of the world’s largest fundraisers for childhood cancer research. Money is raised by volunteers collecting pledges in return for having their heads shaved. The money goes to support cancer research, while the shorn heads show support for the thousands of children who have lost their hair because of cancer treatments. The name St. Baldrick’s is a combination of going bald for cancer support and St. Patrick’s Day, which is when their head-shaving events take place around the world. American Equity Mortgage, through our employee giving program AEM Cares, was proud to co-sponsor the St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s head-shaving event in St. Louis, which took place on March 7, 2009. Over 120 people volunteered to go bald for the cure for kids’ cancer, including three, brave employees from American Equity Mortgage! Hundreds of people were there to support both the event and our brave shavees. Scott Nelson, a Loan Officer in our St. Louis office, was in the very first group to be shaved. Scott commented, “I am glad I volunteered because cancer has directly affected my family and friends in multiple generations. I do not know of anyone who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way. An event like this makes me feel positive about the possibilities of helping others avoid the unfortunate losses incurred by this deadly disease. I was honored to be a part of this event and plan to do it again next year.” At American Equity Mortgage, we understand the importance of giving back to our communities and reaching out to help find a cure.