Luke Nelson – 3rd Graders Lose Their Hair to Show They Care!

Luke Nelson, a 3rd grader at Oklahoma Christian School lived a pretty typical life.

But then he was diagnosed with Alopecia, a skin disease that causes your hair to fall off. As Luke started to lose the hair on his head, he began to lose his confidence as well. He started to wear a hat every day to hide his baldness. His friends at school saw what was happening and wanted to help.

So, they banded together and decided they wanted to join Luke. By going bald! His friends went to a local barbershop and had their heads shaved!

This act of caring helped Luke feel more at ease at school. Check out this inspriring story of friendship, empathy, and kindness:

Additional Resources

• Check out other inspiring stories and videos from IMK about friendship and caring
• Explore our inspiring friendship quotes and kindness quotes
• Read about other inspiring and brave people who have alopecia at the National Alopecia Areata Foundation
• Visit kidshealth.org to learn more about hair loss in children
• In this video, a 10 year old girl talks about what it is like to live with alopecia:

Topics for Discussion:

• How would you feel if you lost your hair?
• What character traits does Luke exhibit?  And what traits do Luke’s friends exhibit?
• What is the nicest thing that anyone has ever done for you? How did it make you feel?

Take Action:

• Help a child with hair loss to get wig by donating your hair, fundraising or volunteering with Wigs for Kids
• Would you like to shave your head to support a friend or child with cancer?  Check out a charity that has started a worldwide movement in head shaving by visiting the St. Baldrick’s website
• Do you have a friend or family member in need? How are you helping them now? Is there anything more you can do? Dream it and do it.

Teacher Features:

• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for elementary school students.
• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for middle school students.