By Guest Columnist
Robin Sanders,
Principal, Pelahatchie Elementary
Paula Quinn is the author of the book My Hair Went on Vacation. The character in the book has alopecia and is based on Paula's daughter Rosie. The book is a favorite of Taylor McInnish's. Taylor is a kindergarten student in Maegan Parker's class at Pelahatchie Elementary School, who also has alopecia. On Wednesday, November 16, Taylor and her class were able to zoom with the author, Paula Quinn, and her daughter Rosie. Taylor and her classmates were able to meet Rosie and ask questions about the book or how Rosie handles her alopecia. Rosie also was able to share about her family's charity Coming Up Rosies.
Coming Up Rosies is a non-profit organization that was launched in 2016. Since that time, they have given 3,000 smile kits to children with alopecia or other health conditions that cause baldness. Each Smile Kit contains paint, a canvas and paintbrush, and a personal note from Rosie. After a child paints their canvas, Rosie and her mom print the child’s design on a scarf or cape. The non-profit works with over 30 hospitals across the country. Rosie won the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes in September 2019. The award honors kids ages 8 to 18 who are making the world a better place. “I don't wear them a lot now that I'm already confident,” said Rosie.
“And all the kids who are bald like me… I’m trying to help them to love your body, and not be scared to go outside and have fun!”
Taylor received a smile kit from Coming Up Rosies. Mrs. Lee, the school counselor, worked with Paula Quinn and Taylor’s mom, Christina McInnish, to come up with a way the whole class could participate with Taylor. On Thursday, November 17, Taylor and her class created works of art. Mrs. Lee will scan all artwork to Coming Up Rosies, where they will have them printed for each student, and they will also print head scarves from each piece of artwork for various children’s hospitals around the United States.
Taylor was able to choose between a head scarf, neck scarf, or superhero cape, and she chose a head scarf. Coming Up Rosies will send her a head scarf with her very own artwork. We are so thankful for Paula Quinn, Rosie Quinn, and Coming Up Rosies and the work they are doing to promote confidence in children with alopecia. Pelahatchie Elementary will continue to read My Hair Went on Vacation to students to promote awareness of alopecia.
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