Comment by Johnny Q on July 19, 2011 at 12:05pm

Thumbs up Lisa.

Comment by bibby on July 19, 2011 at 12:43pm

Wow . That is one hell of a cool kid. He is very open about speaking about his condition which is a benifit when dealing with the outside world threats. I went through the same thing as he did, now 25 years later I can honestly tell you it was the making of the guy I am today. I am running a thriving business and never let the condition effect my personal life. I believe its because my childhood was hard going with bullies through school years but I learnt how to adapt by fighting back. I learnt how to take on the bullying head on. Like Johnny Q says, my advise would be similar. Do buzz the hair down to a blade 1 and work with what you have. It will certainly make the condition less remarkable and create a tough look. Punk it out a bit. I found when I buzzed my hair I felt no differnet to any other boys because very very short hair is fashionable . Remember the only reason kids pick on us is because they are afraid and dont understand. Alot of the bullies from my childhood are now my friends in my adult life. I know it will only get easier for you.

Comment by Denise Benson on July 19, 2011 at 2:14pm

What a great little soul and soooo brave! I agree with shaving his head that is...if he wants to shave it. What a great idea about going into the class and speaking about alopecia. I have had to explain this to so many people and it becomes exhausting. I have also had people laugh at me and I know as an adult how difficult it is and I'm a tough cookie so I know for a child it's even harder. Great advice and please keep us posted on his progress and let him read the comments so he knows what a great, brave boy he is!

Comment by Frank Pratt on July 19, 2011 at 3:34pm

We need to get Charlie,Laura, & Margaret to go and speak at the boy's school....

Comment by Laura Duksta on July 19, 2011 at 4:44pm

Wow! Very powerful sharing from everyone--especially Russell! I do believe that our biggest challenges have the ability to become our biggest blessings and Nina's story is a great example of this. Not only is she thriving but what an incredible gift of tolerance and compassion she and her family have given to so many of the students that they've taken the time to share with. I do believe people typically bully others when they fear something or don't understand it. There is also a vicious cycle we're dealing with, in often children that bully others have been bullied at home or elsewhere. But, rather than giving up, getting stuck or perpetuating the cycle, children like Nina and Russell come along and we have the opportunity to become part of the solution.
I am a children's author, with a school program called "Empowering Our Children to Shine through the Power of Love!" I am beginning to book my calendar for the Fall/Spring school year. I would love to visit schools of children with Alopecia. I typically present to the whole school in 2-6 35-60 minute presentations depending on the size of the school. The majority of the schools I visit are Elementary schools though I also love speaking with middle and high school groups--actually I say my program is appropriate for 3-103 year olds and depending on my audience I communicate my message a little differently. My program is $1500 but I am willing to work with schools budgets--often schools find a community partner to sponsor the program-and it's great if I'm coming to an area to book a few local schools. I'd love to offer a discount to any school with children with Alopecia as I do share about it in my program and will add more to help benefit those dealing with it. I will also add in a visit to the students individual classroom. If you are interested visit my website for more info www.LauraDuksta.com. It took a long time for me to embrace my bald head but know I couldn't imagine myself any other way!
Keep Shining!!
Laura

Comment by Antoinette Bowe Brush on July 19, 2011 at 5:21pm

You have a handsome boy. i feel so badly for him, thanks for sharing. I worry about similar situation for my little grand daughter, kaylie who has alopecia areata. it's why i am spreading awareness - one head at a time. i hope this situation gets straightened out for your son, pl keep us up to date.

Comment by Devin on July 19, 2011 at 5:58pm

I tried to post the comment below on youtube so he or his parents could see it, but I wasnt able to.

Russell you are a brave young man to tell your story on here!!! I also have alopecia and you should ask your parents if you could join http://www.alopeciaworld.com/ if you have not already. It is a web site like Facebook except everyone has Alopecia. There are a lot of other children that have our same condition and can relate to you. Good luck to you my man and try not to let other people get you down remember “God made only a few perfect heads the rest he covered up with hair and hoped no one would notice!”
Devin

Comment by louise malone on July 19, 2011 at 7:19pm

i no what hes going True an its not nice when yous in school being bullyied by the ejet with the funny teeth or stupid hair cut an your just that upset that you couldn't come back with some thing hurtfull to say quick enough. All them kids that hurt him that problw cant count to ten or say there abc's will get there come up in's. Tell him to stand tall and laugh at them because he's ten times better then them an if it all gets to much then get them one by one an you no the rest good luck lil fella you'll have the last laugh dont worry

Comment by Wendy Coco on July 19, 2011 at 9:27pm

WOW Lisa, I was intrigued reading your little story of incredible common sense!!!
Where were you when I was going through the taunting and fear of going to school 53 years ago!!!!!
Knowledge IS power.
God bless to you and your family, and thank you for sharing:)

Comment by Garden Girl on July 20, 2011 at 2:00am

The Gay Community has a website/program called "It gets better" to encourage kids who are "coming out." Maybe we could this model to start such a program for kids with alopecia...adults, older teens recording short clips with the message, "it gets better."

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