Living with Alopecia as a 10-Year-Old
Life From My View
Julie Stephens
Wyatt Loper is a 10-year-old with a
demeanor and outlook on life that comes across with much maturity
for his age. It would be hard to overlook that Wyatt does not have
hair on his head. But the essence of Wyatt is the very full life he
lives.
In basic terms, alopecia (A-loh-PEE-shuh)
is the lack or loss of hair from areas of the body where hair
usually grows. Most often, the possibility of developing the
condition is greater for close relatives such as siblings or
children of individuals with alopecia. It affects as many as 6.8
million people in the U.S. People of all ages, sexes and ethnic
groups can develop alopecia. Actress and talk show host Jada Pinkett
Smith is one of the most famous celebrities with alopecia.
Wyatt’s huge smile makes his eyes
sparkle. He is a typical boy who loves being physically active,
camping and playing video games; though it is unusual for someone so
young to be such an adventurous eater. Wyatt likes sushi and food at
hibachi grills. His aunt gave him a charcuterie (shaar-koo-tr-ee)
board from Harry and David for his birthday. How many 10 year olds
even know what makes up a charcuterie board? While the typical boy
dresses up for Halloween as a superhero or something scary, Wyatt
chooses Napoleon. Wyatt's interest in history has led to fascinating
Halloween choices as a Roman soldier, Omar Bradley (from WW2) and a
medieval knight from the first crusade. Wyatt
enjoys reading nonfiction and, of course, history, such as the Who
Was series. His favorite fiction choices include Harry Potter and
the Wings of Fire graphic novel series. He’s an altar server at
church and he sings in the small church choir.
Although alopecia is not medically
disabling, it can be very emotionally challenging. Some immature
kids would tell Wyatt that he should get a wig. When Wyatt was a
little guy his hair would come back and fall out again for a few
years. It was very difficult when he was too young to understand
what was happening. He was angry when his parents cut the bits of
hair that remained because he thought the cutting was what caused
all of his hair to fall out. As he has gotten older Wyatt’s
uplifting personality and tremendous inner strength help him cope
with the frustrations of having alopecia and losing all his hair.
Like most people who love living in our
little mountain village, Wyatt thrives on being outdoors and has
great fun at alopecia camp. The Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP) is
a support group specifically for kids with alopecia. At alopecia
camp, Wyatt got to go out ALONE on a kayak. He got to rock climb, do
archery, go on a zip line, throw an axe and find out what a proper
slingshot was like. Besides all the amazing activities and tasty
food, it’s a happy change to be with people who know what it is like
to live with alopecia and not have to talk about it all the time.
Wyatt notes that sometimes people’s
questions can get annoying. “You have to keep repeating the same
thing. But because there are not that many people living here in
Lake City, once I meet someone they get used to it. They already
know! Wyatt just has no hair. He doesn't have to do his hair. I want
people to know that alopecia is not a sickness, you can’t catch it,
it's a condition. You don't have cancer and you don't have to do
your hair.”
Mr. Horn is Wyatt’s 4th grade teacher. He
has also experienced hair loss due to hereditary factors. Although
his condition is not alopecia, it’s a shared circumstance.
“We have never openly discussed hair
loss, but I have shown on many occasions that hair loss is something
I choose not to let bother me. I try to elicit the fact that hair
loss is something that makes me unique, and that I should take pride
in that.
I think it is important for students to
understand at an early age that all of us are human beings, unique,
and have strengths and weaknesses. Through this understanding,
students can gain confidence, capacity for empathy, and be
self-assured.”
Wyatt’s mom, Elisa Loper, says, “The
Children’s Alopecia Project hosts several CAP Kids camps. Camp is
amazing on different levels. Jeff, the founder, is extremely
approachable and helps give the kids confidence and the verbiage to
talk about it. We really owe a lot to the camp. They really did
change his outlook!”
The Children’s Alopecia Project - CAP
got started with the Woytovich Family. Their daughter
Maddie (then 5) was diagnosed with alopecia. The parents
could not find a support group specifically for kids with alopecia.
They were interviewed about this in the local newspaper and based on
the overwhelming response and with the help of family and friends
started the Children’s Alopecia Project or CAP. CAP is the only
non-profit devoted specifically to helping children living with
alopecia. This is done by raising awareness about alopecia,
providing support for children and their families, and building self
esteem in children living alopecia.
It is very admirable how well 10 year old
Wyatt handles having alopecia. He
has learned the life lesson that most people much older have yet to
master: to accept things out of your control and live a full life.
For more information on the Children’s
Alopecia Project (CAP)visit www.childrensalopeciaproject.org