As a reporter at 7 News, I get exposed to a lot of incredible missions. It was during an interview with Dawson Knox this summer that I learned more about P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative, and the amazing work they do.

I am once again participating in No Shave November, growing the beard out for charity. This year I’ve chosen to raise money for P.U.N.T., which has become a new favorite charitable organization of mine. Cancer itself is devastating, and only causes more and more difficulties for the person going through it, and their families.

As a journalist I’ve listened and told the stories of many children across New York State as they battle cancer. Their resilient strength has forever inspired me, and I think of them often.

However, it hasn’t just been as a reporter that I’ve seen this. Shortly after graduating from Ithaca College in 2016, my best friend and day one roommate, Michael Kaminskas, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The extreme hardship of cancer was all new to a man who was creative, goofy, loving, athletic, selfless, supportive, family-oriented, and loyal. It was difficult emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially, for his family, who he loved more than anything. During “Kam’s” fight he did beat leukemia. He told me he had no choice, but to be strong. Unfortunately, on June 7, 2019 my heart was shattered when the guy I considered a brother passed away. Kam was only 25-years-old and was about to do incredible things in the world of TV. To know him, was to love him.

I look to live for him every day, while now helping others going through the battle of cancer in his honor. We often spoke about how I can help him, by helping others.

November 14^th is his birthday, a day he shares with Dawson Knox, who has done so much for P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative. I took that as a huge sign to team up with P.U.N.T. this November, and beyond. I hope you can help me on my mission in honor of Kam, and the children and families in Western New York who need the hope we can give! Let’s keeping doing all we can for more to smile!

Pictured here: Michael Schwartz & his best friend, Michael Kaminskas