When is the last time you felt helpless? When is the last time you experienced the moment where you would have done anything to make a difference, to interfere and prevent something awful, to save a life? That is the problem millions are faced with every single day when one of their loved ones faces probable death. After relentless emotion, we collect ourselves just long enough to think about what we can do, what we must do, to save those that we care about. We hear stories about people lifting cars with strength they never had, running into burning buildings with a fearlessness they had never exhibited before, and putting themselves in between certain harm and those they care about. The majority of us, however, simply subscribe to being witnesses, too far away to make a difference. The truth is, we are never witnesses, and the likelihood is, one day we will be faced with a similar situation. The question we need to ask ourselves, is will we be surrounded by those extending a helping hand? Or will we be misfortunate enough to have simply witnesses, extending no more than their condolences? Less than a month in my new career with NC State, I have had the opportunity to learn about a cause that was brought to my attention by one of our own NC State students. She did it indirectly, but it was equally convincing. I reached out to her the other day and am looking forward to the opportunity to spread awareness about her cause, and lead people to the understanding that everyone can make a difference. Too many times we hear about “no dollar amount [being] too small,” and I don’t necessarily disagree with that. No amount is too small, but the reality is, mountains aren’t moved by pennies, they’re moved by passion. We have the opportunity to experience passion in the coming days. The following is my presentation of a story, and my request for anyone who reads this to continue to inform them about this cause, because it can happen too many of our cared ones. Jessica Ekstrom, a senior at NC State, was doing everything she could with her free time to help children stricken with cancer. She delivered toys, visited hospitals, met with children, and one by one made a difference in the lives of many. One day, when she was styling her hair, she realized that she could do more: she could revive the identity that millions of girls have seemingly lost with chemotherapy. She could bring back the femininity that these children have sacrificed to push death off, all while continuing to bring smiles to those she crosses paths with. Not only can she do all of this, but she can do it on a grand scale. ‘Headbands of Hope’ is the way. For each headband sold (oh yeah, anyone can wear them, they’re quite stylish!), one is donated to a child with cancer, and $1 is donated to cancer research. So the next time you go out to buy something stylish for yourself, consider that this purchase could not only aid in saving lives, but maybe it could even bring a smile to someone shrouded by pain and sadness. To borrow a quote that seems fitting, “Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” You can provide this moment for a child, and maybe even save a life in the process. 
For NC State Students, headbands are sold at our Bookstore on campus, as well as at the State Stuff stores at the PNC center. For more information about Headbands of Hope, check out http://www.headbandsofhope.org