Friend,

It seems like just yesterday when I received a call from my good friend, Mike Connell, asking me for advice about going out on his own in the ad business.  Several lunches, dinners, drinks and cigars later, Small Army was formed. But, as the numerous "Congrats on the anniversary! I hope all is well." LinkedIn notices have reminded me recently - it was actually 14 years ago (Sept., 2002). 

As you probably know, our partnership was short-lived.  In late 2005, Mike was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and, after a difficult 2-year battle, he lost his life in 2007.  But, he has been with me every day since then.  

Right down to his final days, Mike demonstrated courage and strength like I had never before witnessed. I'll never forget sitting next to him on his bed in hospice, bawling, as he held my hand and confidently told me everything was going to be OK. He was comforting me! Today, his strength continues to inspire and drive me - not only at Small Army, but in a continued effort to be a better father, husband, friend, leader and community member.

Shortly after Mike's passing in 2007, we at Small Army created a non-profit (Small Army for a Cause) and a cancer fundraiser called Be Bold Be Bald!  We simply ask people to go bald for one day by wearing a bald cap, and get others to sponsor them for their bold move. Since that time, tens of thousands of people across the globe have joined us, and we've raised more than $1 million for cancer charities. (I'm sure Mike would be proud.) 

Today, I ask you to join us as we boldly go bald again on October 21.  Here's how:

1.  If you are bold enough to go bald, sign up - and better yet, start a team at http://beboldbebald.org.  Get your family, friends and colleagues to join you (It's much easier to do this with others - and it is also a great team building/bonding experience).  You can also get bald caps on the site.

2. If you aren't bold enough to go bald (we won't hold it against you), then please be bold enough to take out a credit card and sponsor me for my bold move.  We accept donations of all sizes (although, let's be real, we like the big ones the most.)

3.  Help us spread the word of this event by telling everyone in your social channels about it (or, if you are connected to the media, tell your audience about it - we're happy to do interviews). To make it easy, here's something to cut and paste:

Are you bold enough to go bald on Oct 21 to fight cancer?  Learn more and sign up at beboldbebald.org today. http://beboldbeald.org

If you regularly read my emails, you know that I rarely ask for anything beyond feedback. But today is different. Today, I ask you to join me in keeping Mike's spirit alive - and honoring all of those like him who have courageously battled cancer and showed us what true strength looks like.

Thank you!
Jeff
beboldbebald.org