What's YourSomething?
Being different can be hard. But everyone has something.
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Fiona
Fiona was born with a head full of hair and a natural pixie cut. After her first bath, her hair decided to stick up and nothing would tame it. She looked like a porcupine! Only when her hair was long enough that it got heavier, it went down (around four months). Fiona's hair has always gotten her lots of compliments!
—Maria J., Fiona's mom -
Stephen
My son Stephen has alopecia areata, and at one time he was nearly completely bald. His "something" was that he wore a baseball cap and came to be known as "Stephen-with-the-hat." Stephen was never really self-conscious about his condition, and he found people's questions more tedious than troubling. This picture is from the first day of kindergarten. He was so happy and confident, even though he was starting a new school, looking a little different from everyone else.
—Laura L., Stephen's mom -
Deena
When my daughter Deena wore an eye patch, "the patch fairy" periodically left something special for her with a patch on the gift and a note on the patch, with some loving words about how well Deena was doing with her patch-wearing. Deena eagerly awaited the patch fairy's visits. They weren't that often, just often enough to keep up the excitement (and the incitement to wear the patch).
—Maxine M., Deena's mom -
Ella
My freckles first appeared when I was five, and it seems like a new one appears every day. I lost count around 50. I don't like my freckles and find it embarrassing when anyone mentions them to me.
—Ella F., age 9 -
Isabella
I cried when I saw Jacob's Eye Patch because I really understand the journey of a child with a "something." Isabella, my daughter who's now 7 years old, was a "super-preemie," born at 24 weeks weighing just 1 pound. She had vision problems and had several eye surgeries. Just like Jacob, Isabella and I both had to wear eye patches! Today Isabella is joyful, thriving, and just as feisty as she was when she was born, and we all believe her "something" has made her stronger and more determined every day!
—Marcia C., Isabella's mom -
Chase
Chase is 4 years old and wears glasses and patches because he has amblyopia (when one eye is stronger than the other). Many kids ask Chase what's wrong with his eye, or why he has a Band-Aid on his eye. Chase readily explains what the patch does (to the best of his ability). He doesn't mind the patch, expect when it's super-hot and he sweats under it, or if he's upset and cries into it. But he's a good sport about wearing his patch, and when he's told to remove it, he consistently asks, "Did the doctor say so?" As soon as he pops out of bed in the morning, Chase grabs his glasses, throws them on his face, and picks out his colorful patch for the day.
—Amy G., Chase's mom -
Madigan
Less than six months ago, my son, Madigan, was playing with a stick and had a terrible accident that ruptured his globe and caused a traumatic cataract requiring emergency surgery. Since then, he has had to wear a protective cover, rec specs and/or safety glasses, and most recently a contact lens. His vision will never be the same, but we are thankful he didn't lose the eye completely. He has adjusted beautifully, and although shy, will share his story with prompting. I'm proud of my son for coping so well and remaining positive and optimistic throughout a very trying ordeal.
—Nicole C., Madigan's mom
What's your something?
Please share your child's story, and we may feature it above.