CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM) -
Holly Lightner is sporting a new look. The Carlisle mother has shaved her head to show her support for childhood cancer research.
Lighnter's thee-year-old son, Austin, is battling leukemia. He loves her bald head.
"He tells me I look handsome," laughed Lightner.
Lightner participated in the "46 Mommas Shave for the Brave" event last week in Washington D.C. Forty-six moms from across the country shaved their heads to raise money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which supports childhood cancer research.
"Forty-six Mommas comes from the fact 46 kids are diagnosed with cancer every day in the United States," Lightner said.
Lightner's son, Austin, was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was two years old. Since then, his life has been filled with doctors appointments, medicine and chemotherapy. His prognosis is good: a 90 percent cure rate.
"Although that is great, that still means one out of 10 kinds won't make it," Lightner said.
Austin has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments for a year and a half. He only has two more years to go. His family looks forward to that day.
"He has until March 26 of 2013. We have a countdown on our phone," Lightner said. "We plan on having a 'No more chemo party.'"
To date, The 46 Mommas Shave for the Brave event has raised 27 million dollars for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Anyone wishing to make a donation may visit 46mommas.com.
