Friends, family, and fellows in the fight against cancer:

Last week I shaved my head. I did this mostly because I was bored, and partially because I wanted to try out my new trimmer. (Works great, by the way--always buy American, folks). When people asked me why I'd done it, I realized that I'd missed a great opportunity to raise money for a great cause. (I also realized that generally, you should have a good reason in mind before shaving your head.)

So now I'm having another go. Starting at midnight on Friday, June 24th, I will be undertaking a vow of silence, lasting until 3pm the following Friday (just shy of a week, as I have to drive to North Carolina that day and would prefer not to fake strep throat if I get pulled over). My goal in this is to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation--you probably know them by their signature pink ribbons, and you can read more about their organization here: http://www.bcrfcure.org/ .

The terms of this arrangement are simple: several friends will be acting as my "handlers" throughout the week, verifying that I do not utter a peep (no voluntary noise made with the mouth or throat). We'll be posting updates on my many encounters with the pleasantly chatty residents of Washington, DC. If I default on the contract, I will be putting up $300 out of my own modest savings, and as an added bonus, I will be forced to audition for a play of my handlers' choosing--which shall be filmed and shared with all donors. I will audition in good faith, of course, making an honest effort to get the role. I have zero acting ability, so my motiviation to succeed in this endeavor is strong.

At the end of the day, though, it's all about the cause. 40,000 women were expected to die of breast cancer last year, and I love the women in my life way too much to let that trend continue. It's not just the lady-folk, either: 2,000 men were expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2010, and as I'm pretty fond of breathing, I think aiding cancer research is the intelligent move.

So please, open your hearts, dig out that couch change, and help me fight the good fight--if for no other reason than to enjoy me shutting up for a blessed week (or signing up for Shakespearean shame).

Yours in cancer combat,
Joshua D. Hill
Chairman, Fighting Fifth Fundraising Committee