At the very beginning of her lens, Autoimmune Disorder Alopecia Areata, ShawnGourley
asks her readers if they've seen someone with no hair and assumed that they were really sick, likely with cancer.
The question really touched my personal experience.
I met someone in a group I was part of who was bald. He lacked body hair in other areas as well - - eyelashes, eyebrows, arms - - so I knew he didn't just shave his head. I assumed he had cancer and was on treatment. I didn't ever say anything to him about it because I wasn't sure what to say. Later, he spoke to the group and explained that he wasn't sick - - he had alopecia. He also explained that he was really open about it and to just ask. He revealed more about his experience with alopecia over time until he was tragically killed in a car accident about two years ago.
As I read through Shawn's lens that highlights the experience of her nephew, Austin, a lot of it sounded very similar to what my friend shared, and it brought back memories. I also learned even more about alopecia from the information that Shawn provides.
Not only that, though.
Shawn writes about an incredible camp for kids with skin disorders that Austin is a part of. She includes a video that describes the camp and features some of the kids and their stories - - their stories of rejection and hardship outside of camp and their feelings of acceptance and friendship inside the camp. In this video, there was a really profound statement made by Jim Paratore, a camp volunteer. He said, "When you look at everybody's eyes, you can see the person inside."
I teach kids with special needs and I really related to this statement when I heard it. It's so true that no matter what is on the outside . . . no matter what "disability" or disorder a person may have . . . we're all human beings on the inside. We're deeper than an outer appearance or label or difference. We're all valuable. We all have something special to share with the world. And we all deserve love and acceptance.
To me, that's what it's really all about.
What do you think?
Visit: Autoimmune Disorder Alopecia Areata
Wow. Everyone has a story and everyone is a human being no matter what they look like on the outside. This lens and your review are beautifully written, Leanne.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful camp doing some sadly very necessary self-esteem building work. And, as always, a thought-provoking review. For biological reasons, we have evolved to judge by appearances and the modern media have taken that to ridiculous proportions. I agree that there is so much more to us all than that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments and Leanne for your awsome review.
ReplyDeleteFrom Shawn and Austin!
Aww, I think that's what it's really all about, Leanne, yes. Austin is such a nice young man, and what a lovely aunt to help tell his story about alopecia.
ReplyDelete