“Okay … see this very pleasant, clean shaven face?  At the end of January, it will be marred by the existence of a probable hideous mustache. Beginning January 1st Mike ( or Pop Pop as he is known around these parts), will attempt the grow the mustache I made him shave over 28 years ago. Of course, the facial hair growth is part of the 2nd annual ‘Stache-Bash benefiting our almost 4 year old granddaughter, Libby, and pediatric brain cancer research.

“Many of you are aware of Libby’s story and her brave and courageous fight. She was diagnosed with an optic pathway glioma in September 2010 and just recently completed 61 weeks of chemotherapy. An MRI was done on Friday and shows the tumor to be stable … the best news we could ask for at this time. Christmas was wonderful for Libby and her big sisters and we are delighted to be living near to be a bigger part of their lives.  We’re all hoping for a much healthier 2013!

“The outpouring of support in our local community has been breathtakingly tremendous … and it continues. One of the fundraisers is the ‘Stache Bash.’ Mike isn’t able to do much physically, but wants to do his part to help Libby. This precious little girl owns his heart. He can grow a mustache(I think) and he is soliciting your sponsorship of  this very worthy cause. One very important aspect of this event is to raise awareness and to fund research for a cancer that is way more prevalent than one would guess. Part of  these proceeds will help offset Libby’s mounting medical bills not covered by insurance.

clean shaven Pop Pop

“Kevin and Kelly have also been very generous in ‘paying it forward’ by sharing these “gifts” with others in the community who share these same experiences. Of course,  you are under no obligation to participate, but should you choose to help Mike and the other guys exceed last year’s total contribution (in excess of $13,000), you may send a check, of any amount, made payable to Love for Libby and sent to: Karen and Mike Sutton, 515 Sailview Drive, Tega Cay, SC 29708. Sponsor contributions should be received by January 31st.

“Our hearts will love you for it and I promise to send a picture of the ‘finished product.’ Libby sends a big, smiling thank you too!”

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For additional information, email Mike Sutton at mksutton@comporium.net and you can follow his granddaughter’s journey on Facebook at www.caringbridge.org/visit/libbykern/journal.