Alopecia Areata slates awareness fundraiser

Funds sought for research of rare skin disease SPARTA -- A bald Sparta pre-teen, optimistic despite her rare skin disease, is the inspiration for a fundraiser this Thursday evening. The Mohawk House in Sparta will be host to a fundraiser in conjunction with William and Glennis Randazzo, and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). The goal of the event is to raise funds for research, and awareness for the community. Their youngest child, Julie Randazzo, 12 years old and a student at Sparta Middle School, suffers from this disease. “Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune skin disease which results in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on one’s body,” according to a NAAF fact sheet. For some this hair loss is merely patches; for others it means total hair loss. It’s a highly unpredictable disease, as well. Your hair can grow back, but it may not, and if it does, it may fall out again. In the United States alone, over five million people suffer from this disease. It can occur in men or women of any age or race, but most often occurs during childhood. “With a child with Alopecia Areata, you really have to be concerned with their psychological well-being and self confidence, not to lose them to depression,” said Glennis Randazzo. There is no cure for this disease, nor is there an FDA approved treatment for it. Julie Randazzo, Glennis and William’s daughter, was diagnosed two years ago by her father, a pediatrician. At first she had just patches missing. The Randazzos took their daughter to Columbia University and Hackensack University Medical Centers for a variety of treatments — from injections of steroids in her scalp to topical and oral steroids. Unable to tolerate any more, Julie decided to stop the treatments. In the last six months, she has suffered complete hair loss. According to Glennis, “She tried to hide it from her teachers and friends at first, covered it up with hats and such, but people began to notice and talk about it. Finally, Julie was ready to tell everyone. We sent out a letter to teachers and students, and the response has been wonderful. The students are so compassionate, supportive and protective of her now.” Because of all the positive responses Julie has received, her mom and dad feel she is doing beautifully, and has transitioned into a confident and happy kid. Though bandannas are not allowed at school for gang-related reasons, Julie is allowed because of her baldness. In her new found strength, she refuses to wear a wig. One male friend of Julie’s told her mom, “if Julie wanted, I’d shave my head, too. I see her as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside.” With all this outpouring of love and support for Julie, the Randazzos decided to help others who are experiencing similar struggles. The benefit dinner at the Mohawk House on Thursday is one way for them to help. According to Glennis, the event is nearly sold out already. Many teachers, doctors and neighbors in the community have bought tickets. “We want everyone to know what Alopecia Areata is — one of my neighbors actually thought Julie had cancer, but was afraid to ask.” This fundraiser will not only help with research for treatment and a cure, but raise everyone’s awareness of the disease. For ticket information, call the Mohawk House at 729-6464.