Bald Man of the Week: Caitlin
Marybeth Hicks, columnist for the Washington Times, shared the story of Caitlin in her Sunday column.
Caitlin [a high school senior] has alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that affects 5 million Americans, causing hair loss. It can result in baldness or, in severe cases, cause a body to shed all its hair from lashes to legs.
Not long ago, Caitlin’s wig was more than just an accessory; it was her lifeline to a world that resembled normalcy. Struck with her disease six years ago, Caitlin hid her baldness, fearing it would make her a freak among her middle school classmates. Wearing a wig wasn’t a choice. It was a given.
Just before her senior year, Caitlin made a big decision.
Just before school started last fall, Caitlin wrote a letter to all the high school parents and students to explain her condition and to say she would be attending school without a wig. She wanted everyone to know that her baldness was caused by a disease and they shouldn’t worry or wonder about her.
Then, when school began, Caitlin was the featured speaker at the opening day assembly. She stood up in front of more than 500 of her peers and told her story — her true story — relating a journey of courage and faith that brought her schoolmates to their feet in a long and tearful applause.
That took courage. Caitlin exhibited a level of maturity, wisdom, and grace far exceeding her years. Caitlin remains fairly anonymous - as befits a minor - but she’s earning my praise and respect.
Hats off! to this week’s Bald [Wo]Man of the Week: Caitlin!
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POSTED IN: Bald Children, Bald Man of the Week, Bald Women
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