A Brave Barbie Doll Helps Nora Cope With Hair Loss
A Head Full of Platinum Hair
Nora was born with striking features – a full head of beautiful, platinum hair and purple marks all over her body that Kaitlyn lovingly called “zebra markings.”
“Nora was completely healthy and adorable,” Kaitlyn shares.
What Kaitlyn didn’t know at the time was that Nora’s white hair was a sign of something much bigger. Everything changed when Nora suddenly spiked a 107-degree fever.
Kaitlyn, who is a Nurse Practitioner, had never felt a child that hot in her career. Her instincts kicked in – both as a medical professional and a mom.
‘This doesn’t seem right,’ Kaitlyn thought. She took Nora to the hospital right away.
Kaitlyn expected the doctors to say it was the flu and send them home. Instead, Nora was hospitalized for two weeks. Test after test, they finally got answers. Nora was diagnosed with Griscelli syndrome Type 2, a rare and life-threatening genetic condition.
A Change No Parent Feels Ready For
In an instant, their world turned upside down. They lived at Ronald McDonald House for four months, and as a part of Nora’s treatment, she had to undergo multiple rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and total body radiation.
Kaitlyn knew that chemotherapy would cause Nora to lose her beautiful platinum white hair. Nora’s hair was a part of her that made her feel unique. The thought of her daughter losing a special part of herself was incredibly hard.
“It’s something that nobody can prepare you for. When you have a little girl and see that’s part of her identity, it’s really hard, to be honest.”
- Kaitlyn, Nora's Mom
Little by little, Nora’s hair began falling out in clumps. Then one day, as Kaitlyn brushed through Nora’s hair, it came out all at once. She recalls:
“We were kind of trying to make light of it for Nora. ... I was trying to think of ways to make her not scared. But I think, honestly, I was more scared than she was.”
A Brave Barbie Comforts Brave Nora
As Nora and Kaitlyn adjusted to this change, they found comfort from a Brave Barbie doll they received through the Starlight Toy Delivery program, generously provided by Mattel. Brave Barbie dolls are specially designed to help kids cope with hair loss.
As Nora opened the toy, she smiled and said, “It looks like me!”
Nora’s excited and happy reaction warmed Kaitlyn’s heart.
Losing something tied to your identity can be overwhelming to anyone. How much bigger would it feel for a child?
Resources like the Brave Barbie are created to improve hospital stays for kids. When kids see themselves reflected in something familiar, it can bring comfort, confidence and happiness to cope.
Kids living with serious illness often face challenges physically, emotionally, and socially. Adjusting to these changes isn't easy.
Still, community support can make a difference. Together, we can deliver small comforts to help kids through their toughest days.
