Some of you will remember me carrying a small crayon apron across the country during my book tour for Creative is a Verb. I still carry that apron with me everywhere I go. Bright pink with little crayon-sized pockets in which a rainbow of color sits. Embroidered in white with the name, “Donna.”

I tell the story of Donna Quirke Hornik everywhere I travel. And it brings me–and others–to tears each time. I take photos of groups of people holding the apron, and ask them to remember Donna and share her story with others. You can see a video and read about that here. When I give speeches, I have on my podium or table a glass of water, a watch, and Donna’s apron. Always.

I painted a picture of the apron in a hotel room late one night–Mr Brilliant framed it for me, and I gave it to Donna’s mom when I met her for the first time in Chicago one cold December night. We hugged for a long time that night.

Donna’s parents are committed to serving Donna’s memory with their organization, Donna’s Good Things, and raising research funds for St Baldrick’s to help end pediatric cancer. St. Baldrick’s raises more money for pediatric cancer research than any organization except the U.S. government. If Donna’s story touches you, please give. Even small donations add up–they surely do. And between today and February 18th, an anonymous donor will match every donation given, up to $2k. That’s $2,000 that could help save a life.

I never met Donna. But I am committed to keeping her memory and spirit alive–and since she couldn’t be saved, saving others in her name.  People all over the country are posting about Donna today, from my most extraordinary Chicago hairdresser Jon-David and beyond.

How you can help:

1. Give a donation in Donna’s name to fund lifesaving research.

2. Tweet this: Remember Donna. We can stop childhood cancer. You can help. http://tinyurl.com/DonnaQH #conquerkidscancer

3. Share this post on Facebook and ask your network to give a donation. Remind them that every single donation, however small, helps. You can use this link to post: http://tinyurl.com/DonnaQH

4. Follow Donna’s Good Things on Facebook.

5. Sign up as a Shavee or Volunteer at an Event Near You. (Once you find an event, click on the blue box that says ‘participate at this event’. If you want to join the Donna’s Good Things team, when prompted say you want to join an existing team, and filter for “Donna” at other events) – Since 2000, more than 189,660 volunteers — including over 17,200 women — have shaved their heads in solidarity with children with cancer at events in dozens of countries and every U.S. state. Thanks to generous friends and family, these shavees have raised over $117 million for life-saving research, and each is a walking billboard for the cause!

6. Can’t find an event near you? Organize your own event. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation will coach you every step of the way. In particular, they are looking for new events in Maine, Mississippi, Alabama and Utah.

7. Have questions about getting involved? Visit www.StBaldricks.org or contact Heather@StBaldricks.org.

My thanks. With love to Donna on this Valentine’s Day from another Donna (Donna Patricia Digh),