Heads For Hope, Bringing a Smile To The Face of Cancer

November 9, 2006 - Finding out his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and would be treated with chemotherapy and radiation, the organization’s founder, James Messina, made the choice that countless other people have made before him: he would shave his head bald as a show of support, in honor of his Mom. That’s where the idea for Heads for Hope™ came from.

The gesture was his attempt to make his mom feel a little less alone and a lot more “normal.” “I knew I wasn’t the first person to have the idea, but I wasn’t able to find any collaborative group that promoted it,” Messina said. So with the help of some friends and family he founded Heads for Hope™ his effort to bring people together from all over the country who’ve shaved their heads in support of a loved one. Messina’s mission is reflected in the organization’s slogan: Cancer can have our hair, but not our hope!

Although the organization is in its infancy, Messina has already launched the website, www.HeadsforHope.com and is hoping anyone and everyone will take just a moment of their time to see what the organization has to offer. Heads for Hope website has tons of great ideas for people to check out including: a message board where people who are fighting cancer, as well as friends and family, can go to ask tough questions, get educated answers, share some laughs, find some tips and come together to build a unique support network; a photo library of people who have sent in images of themselves showing off their new doo’s; an interactive page that allows the user to give haircuts to the sites mascots, “Jack & Jill,” and a store with great Heads for Hope™ merchandise—the catchy logo instantly tells the story of the organization.

“As much as I hope we have tremendous response and support of Heads for Hope™ I wish we didn’t have to start it in the first place. But wishing cancer away certainly won’t change anything, Messina said, but, I’m hoping maybe Heads for Hope will.
Messina plans on formally establishing the organization’s nonprofit status by Spring of ’07 with the help of his family and friends.

Whether you’re fighting cancer yourself or someone you love is, Heads for Hope™ wants you to remember that you’re not alone. Stop by and check us out, we’ll prove it. Please join in on the hope, visit www.headforhope.org


Contact Info:
James Messina, Founder
908-752-2162

Heads for Hope™
55 Willow Street
Suite 2
Washington, NJ 07882

www.HeadsforHope.org