The Power of A Role Model, Kim & Kevin Szczech

Kevin’s journey with alopecia areata began at the end of first grade, in 2004. When he received his “Hooray, summer is here!” crew cut we noticed two nickel-size bald spots. His pediatrician told us it was classic alopecia areata and Kevin’s hair would grow back in six months. This was not to be the case. We did the research, and saw two different dermatologists, and decided not to pursue any treatments. We felt completely helpless.

One year from the date that we first found Kevin’s bald spots we attended the NAAF conference in Tampa, Florida. There our feelings of helplessness ended. There, for the first time, we met our fellow alopecians. It all started with a simple “hello” from two young men. Keith Reed introduced himself to Kevin and me, and he then introduced us to Jeremy Laird. Both men touched our lives more than they know. For the rest of the conference, Kevin lit up whenever we saw them. Jeremy was hard to miss since he wore a toy woodpecker on his head in jest. Keith emceed the talent show and then asked his girlfriend to marry him at the closing ceremony. Both men were doing things, living life fully, despite having alopecia areata. Watching them, Kevin began to shine again.

After attending that conference, Kevin’s confidence returned. He shaved off what hair he did have because there were more bald areas than hair. And although he had permission to wear hats at school, he decided not to. He participated in sports and sang in the choir both at school and at our church. He even had the confidence to emcee the school talent show. (Watch out Keith, he is after your job!)

Midway through that school year, Kevin got to meet NAAF’s Spokesperson, NBA player Charlie Villanueva. Charlie has walked in my child’s shoes; he too has had alopecia areata since he was a youth. But that hasn’t stopped him from reaching his dream. Now, when things get rough, we ask Kevin, “What would Charlie do?” With role models like Charlie, Jeremy, Keith and Alan, I know Kevin will grow into a fine man.

Before I conclude this letter, I want to share a wish with you: I wish we could somehow make sure that every child with alopecia areata has an inspiring role model.

Working together, I believe we can achieve this. Parents can actively search for role models for their children by attending local support group meetings, a NAAF conference, or special gatherings like the Meet and Greet sessions with Charlie. Young adults with alopecia areata can reach out to children. And we can all do what we can to support these efforts and to support NAAF.

Kim Szczech, mother of Kevin Szczech