Comment by Lyndsey Pitchford on July 12, 2009 at 4:27am

I know its really tempting to speak to people you see without hair. At work I saw a woman with no hair and couldn't help but staring so because I thought that she must think I was being rude I just said 'love the look' and lifted my wig up slightly. She had alopecia and was telling me how she had some new wigs but didn't always wear them. The other day a little boy in one of the school groups came on the ride I was working on (I work at a small local childrens theme park when I'm not doing A levels and so get to do lots of different jobs) he had a cap on but had no hair, eye lashes or eyebrows. I didn't say anything because he was little and with a school group but still it was sad that he was the only kid in the group with noone to sit by. Kids can be so cruel.

Comment by Tallgirl on July 12, 2009 at 11:11am

Be a part of that accepting world for kids or adults by smiling and avoiding the cancer comments. No need to cause worry or sadness in others, or to mistakenly label them. We all know how that feels...not good. Just smile and say hello.

Comment by JeffreySF on July 12, 2009 at 8:42pm

Bravo Tallgirl!!! You get the Big Picture Thank You!!!

Tnabugg you have alopecia right? Why wouldnt you ask the little boy if he had alopecia? Instead, you chose the Cancer route? I dont get it.......

Lyndsey, perhaps the little boy chose to sit alone or it just happened to turn out that way
I bet the kid loved the ride but perhaps not your pity.

Comment by Becky on July 12, 2009 at 9:53pm

Not to go way off topic, but it might go a little. This weekend I saw two people that I thought might also have alopecia (of some sort) or maybe having chemo, whatever that's not my point. My first thought was curiosity and the desire to look a little longer than the acceptable "norm". I didn't look longer or approach these people, but this is my point... If I didn't have this condition I bet I wouldn't have really given these people an extra glance, I just happen to be on the lookout for baldies now. This makes me feel a little better because if I didn't notice before, maybe people aren't paying as much attention to me as I think!

The second thing I have to say is I agree with Tallgirl, but I don't think Tna was judging as much as trying to find a common ground and lend support.

Maybe if you would like to engage people in conversation you could start out by paying them a compliment on their style or whatever, like what Lindsey was saying. Then tell them about you first and see where it goes from there. That way you can "judge" (haha) how the conversation will go...or not go depending on the person's response. And YES kids are cruel and I think it's ok to feel pity or sadness inside for others. That is what makes us human! Just my thoughts!

Comment by Lyndsey Pitchford on July 13, 2009 at 11:32am

Jeffery, I didn't give the boy pity I didn't say anything to him at all. I can't help feeling some pity though it isnt easy for anyone growing up without hair, I know that.

Comment by JeffreySF on July 13, 2009 at 1:45pm

Sorry if I was a little harsh. I guess I have a sore spot for little kids.
I understand feelings of sadness or pity for others. I suppose I saw a chance to give strength and encouragement... Anyway......moving on

Comment by Monica Beasley-Martin on July 14, 2009 at 5:01pm

I am a substitute teacher. I heard so many, "bald headed" remarks behind my back that I decided to addresss the issue. "Yes," I would tell them "My head is bald." I explained to them what Alopecia was and shared a children's story I wrote about a little girl with Alopecia. In one class, in particular, there was a little boy with no eyebrows and patchy hair. He had raised his hand after I shared my story. He smiled and said proudly, "Mrs. Monica I have Alopecia too!"

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