Benefit, ‘46 Mommas’, raises $1.6 million to battle childhood cancer

This time of year is filled with anniversaries for the Root family of Tecumseh. It is almost the 17th wedding anniversary for Jim and Nicole. This is also the fifth anniversary of their son, Miles’ diagnosis of brain cancer, and the one-year anniversary of his death.As of June 20, another anniversary was added to the mix. Nicole and her youngest son, Seth, traveled to Kansas City to shave their heads in memory of Miles and to stand in solidarity with all the families battling childhood cancer. St. Baldrick’s Foundation sponsors the “46 Mommas Shave for the Brave” campaign to bring attention to and raise money to conquer childhood cancer. Each weekday in North America, approximately 46 mothers are told their children have cancer.The organization has raised more than $1.6 million since 2010. In 2015, 99 people committed to shave their hair and have raised $175,782. Nicole exceeded her original goal with her current tally of $2,855, and Seth has raised $550 so far this year. Ultimately, the Roots are working to create a foundation to raise money both for St. Baldrick’s and to get adaptive swings placed in parks.The family currently operates as Miles Movement DBA (Doing Business As). As soon as they have the funding, the goal is to transform to Miles Movement Foundation.“This was a way for us to do something to keep Miles alive,” Nicole said. The Root’s lives were turned upside down in 2010 when their five-year-old son, Miles, was diagnosed with brain cancer, and then suffered brain damage after contracting encephalitis following his surgery. Not only did Jim and Nicole have to adjust to cancer treatments, they also were suddenly parents of a special needs child who lost his ability to communicate.Although Miles’ cancer was in remission for two years, it returned in 2013. Nicole and Jim were forced to accept the best choice for Miles was palliative care over a continued battle of chemo against the cancer.“The hard part for us was that Miles had lost so much,” said Nicole. “We chose quality of life over quantity. It was a tough decision, but the right decision.”Nicole wanted to participate in the “46 Mommas Shave for the Brave” for several years, but time and circumstances prevented the family from attending the event. Although the weekend flew by very quickly, the experience was especially positive for Nicole.“I’ve been waiting so long to do this. It was nice to be surrounded by people in it,” she said. “We were all there for the same purpose.”The unexpected twist in life experienced by Jim and Nicole and their three surviving sons, Skyler, Ian and Seth, was shared by the other families in Kansas City. Those touched by childhood cancer know how fragile life can be.“You never know if cancer is going to hit your family again,” said Nicole. “It’s so weird to have your child go through something that is harsh even for adults. We had to stay in the moment with Miles, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.”The family has taken the memories of Miles — including his love of swinging, camping, Scooby-Doo, Michael Jackson and Bon Jovi — and used them as inspiration to help others in Miles’ name.“Miles was stubborn and sweet,” Nicole said. “He always thought of others before himself.”While Nicole and Seth’s hair grows back, the family continues to raise money for St. Baldrick’s, and to make sure there is a special swing at playgrounds for the children unable to swing on their own.Nicole plans to have a bake sale at the Appleumpkin Festival in the fall, and to have another walk like Miles Movement did in May. Donations are still being accepted at Nicole and Seth’s pages on the St. Baldrick’s website.Nicole’s page is at https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/744939/2015 and Seth’s is https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/802317/2015.