For the past three years, Shave 'N' Buzz has been an unforgettable part of my Duke experience. It is an amazing fundraiser that brings our community together for a cause bigger than ourselves, turning something as simple as a haircut into real impact. Every year, it’s been incredible to see how much people are willing to give and how far participants are willing to go to support it.

I’ll be taking on the following series of challenges as we hit fundraising milestones, all leading up to the final shave on Saturday:

• $250 – I wax my legs 
• $500 – I run a milk mile 
• $750 – I get a donor-voted terrible haircut
• $1000 – I buzz it all

When adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients who have completed treatment are asked their biggest concerns, the most common is: "Will I be able to have children?" It’s not the risk for cancer recurrence or disability and disfigurement - the desire to build a family is their highest priority.  In addition to the toxicity of cancer treatments themselves, chronic health conditions can occur in the aftermath of any cancer treatment protocol, and infertility is among the most common long-term complication.

So, it’s unfortunate that in the confusion and deluge of information during a new cancer diagnosis, including staging, testing, treatment and prognosis, the topic of fertility preservation can be set aside or forgotten.   AYA cancer patients report a lack of adequate information to make informed fertility decisions.  Meeting the unique fertility goals of every patient requires appropriate fertility counseling, as well as logistical and financial access to fertility care.

One of I’m Not Done Yet's mission is to provide the resources for AYA cancer patients to preserve their fertility. 

Your support of the Shave & Buzz will help ensure that these young patients have the HOPE that despite having cancer, they can one day have a family of their own.