Being Built For Others

One of the most important concepts we can teach our children and students is being built for others. Being built for others is about having concern for the welfare of others, for caring about them, loving them and giving of yourself in an effort to help and benefit other people – whether you know them or not. Of all the many concepts and skills we teach our children today, being built for others should be above all else. It can be as simple as shoveling someone’s driveway or as significant as stepping up and getting involved in a transcendent cause, a cause larger than yourself. Whatever it is you can do, it’s about giving your time, your effort, and your attention to something bigger than yourself that benefits others.

This past Friday we had the opportunity for our entire school community to get involved in a transcendent cause. We were able to host our fourth consecutive St. Baldrick’s event at West Genesee Middle School. Our St. Baldrick's event took off in 2014 as a result of some students looking for a way to support and stand with fellow students and members of our community who have been impacted by childhood cancer. The students that I spoke to were well informed, passionate and determined to make a difference. They were clearly built for others as this was not about them, but about how they could support and help others. Needless to say they were incredibly inspiring. What I learned from them then is that in the United States, more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease. And yet, all types of childhood cancer receive only 4% of the U.S. federal funding for cancer research. The conversation that took place in 2014 quickly evolved into an opportunity of impact – to create an event. Through our efforts as a school community we have been raising awareness, raising some money and having a lot of fun all in an effort to help fight childhood cancer. We are making a difference in the lives of children across the country.

Sophie's Giving Tree

This year was extra special for us as we honor Sophie Kawejsza who should be with us as an 8^th grade student this year at WGMS, but we lost her to cancer when she was 8 years old. You can learn more about Sophie’s story and the amazing efforts of her parents to provide support for children and their families during medical crisis in Central New York by checking out their webpage: http://sophiesgivingtree.org/  Sophie continues to inspire all of us today.

This year is also special because our friend, colleague and school nurse Chris Savage stepped up to ‘brave the shave’ in honor and memory of her son Patrick who was lost to cancer at age 6 thirty years ago. Chris is a hero among us bringing hope to other families who are battling cancer and an optimistic attitude that others will one day not have to experience losing a child to cancer.

WGMS students stepping up for others

For our St. Baldrick’s event this year we had 21 individuals step up to ‘brave the shave’ as part of #TeamWildcat, including 8 WGMS students. We also had former West Genesee graduates from Saving Face Barber Shop volunteer their time to be a part of our St. Baldrick’s event. All in all, a lot of people giving of themselves for a transcendent cause.

When we talk to students about being ‘built for others’ this event is exactly the type of thing we are talking about; to take part in something bigger than yourself and to work for a transcendent cause. It is energizing, inspiring, moving and incredibly powerful. The entire WGMS community has been a part of this whether you shaved your head, made a donation, promoted the event, forwarded our link or supported and cheered on colleagues, students and friends who braved the shave. I can’t thank everyone enough for their involvement, encouragement, generosity and support. We have passed the $15,000 raised mark this year! Unbelievable! We are making a difference.

The world would be a much better place if everyone stepped up for transcendent causes, thought about others first and lived their lives to be truly built for others.

Continued Success,

Steve Dunham

sdunham@westgenesee.org

Twitter: @Sdunhamwgms