When not to go bald!

The other day I came across a very honest and humorous blog about a guy who shaved his head  at a charity event for children’s cancer. This decision came after a few drinks when ideas of this nature tend to sound better as the night goes on.  We read about people doing this all the time for friends, charities and other causes.  In fact there is a worldwide organization called the St. Baldrick’s Foundation  that hosts “head shaving” events to raise money for children’s cancer.  All walks of life line up for their chance to go bald for a cause.   They’ve been shaving heads since 2000 and have raised an astonishing $100 million in childhood cancer research grants.  They have one goal:  to cure childhood cancer.  There is no comparison to losing a head of hair to losing a child to cancer.  It is not surprising that the organization is so successful. I often wonder how the newly shaven volunteers feel after the excitement of the event is over and the visual results of their actions take hold.  I distinctly remember those early days of adjusting to the alien-like person staring back at me in the mirror.   Are they peppered with questions about their newly shaved head?    Are they shocked at the attention (somewhat unwanted) a bald head can generate?  Are they constantly cold (like I am) or afraid of sunburn? Did they think they would get this much attention for participating in a charity event for such a good cause?  Probably not - just ask my husband. When I first lost my hair to alopecia, my very supportive, handsome husband came home one day - completely bald. Much to my horror, he decided to shave his head in solidarity.  I could not believe my eyes!  What was he thinking?  His motives were pure and simple however bald was not his best look.  He had hoped that his bald head would draw the attention away from me. WRONG. It had just the opposite affect. His bald head became a terrible distraction and generated more questions that inevitably led to my condition. A word to all the bald seeking supporters -there are many ways to show your love and understanding.  Trust me, going bald is not all it’s cut out to be.  I greatly appreciate the support but watching my friends and loved ones deliberately alter there looks in such a drastic manner is not necessary and only another reminder of my condition.  I say, enjoy your hair - I much prefer to look at you with all of your follicles. Please don’t take away my opportunities for hair envy! Susan M. Beausang President, 4women.com

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