When Shannon Totten was asked why she volunteered to shave her head for charity she replied: “Why not?”The 40-year-old admits she is taking part in the St Baldrick’s fundraising event, partly in honour of her milestone birthday.But said she is also doing it in support of loved ones who have fought the disease and some who, sadly, lost the battle.The Endurance Specialty Insurance executive said she has been blessed with wonderful family, friends and good health.“I am especially grateful to have a healthy five-year-old son and I want kids with cancer to have that many birthdays and more, much like what their families are hoping and praying for.”Ms Totten, who took part in the event in 2009, told The Royal Gazette she wasn’t concerned about going bald for a second time.”It’s just hair! This go around I am only worried about the exponential increase in the amount of gray,” she said.“Last time, I went to New York City soon after the shave for a vacation, and I realised many people in the stores and elevators were looking at me with empathy.“I felt obliged to explain that I was fine, but if they wanted to make a donation after the fact it was welcome.”Ms Totten said she didn’t think the shave would make her feel uncomfortable in business situations.“As far as business people, thankfully we are in an industry that is very supportive of charity in general and especially this one. Laughter does ensue of course as it should,” she said.Ms Totten said cancer had touched the lives of many people close to her, including her grandmother, who battled with the disease four times and won.She said her father-in-law wasn’t as lucky and died last year after a short but painful battle with pancreatic cancer.A “brave” friend, the late Laura Kittleson, 39, also dealt with her diagnosis with “quiet grace”, she said.Ms Totten was part of a fundraising duo who raised $300,000 the highest amount in St Baldrick’s history.She is trying to raise as much as possible this year, and jokingly added: “Chicks get more money. That’s just the way it is. Sorry fellas.”The executive is drawing on personal and professional contacts and media resources, such as Facebook, to raise funds and encouraged the public to donate what they could.l Useful website: www.stbaldricks.org