This father’s gesture of his love and acceptance for his bald daughter inspires thousands with their now-viral video.
5-year old Malia Hayes is the energetic, curious and fun-loving daughter of Zach and Ashley Hayes. However, unlike most kids her age, Malia suffers from Alopecia Areata, a condition that limits her ability to grow hair.
Alopecia Areata
The condition is considered to be very rare, affecting 1 out of 1000 children at any given time. There is no cure for it currently, but its symptoms can be combated by various medications that accelerate hair growth. It usually does not have any serious or fatal symptoms.
A family who shows acceptance and support
Parents Zach and Ashley have been adamant in showing to their daughter that there is beauty in being different, and her condition or appearance shouldn’t be anything to be ashamed of.
Zach and Ashley have even started a Vlog series on their Youtube channel to spread this message of acceptance and support to countless others as well as awareness and positivity regarding the rare condition. It was on this platform that the Hayes Family shared their most viral and heartwarmingly beautiful video yet.
How a day at the park became a catalyst for a heartfelt moment
On one afternoon, an unpleasant interaction with some kids at the park left Malia feeling down about her condition. The event also takes an effect on Zach and Ashley as they can barely hold back tears as they recount the event on their vlog.
“It’s like a bittersweet situation.”
Ashley remarks fighting back tears.
“I hate that it happened but I’m so proud of her”.
“Malia loves herself and I will do everything I can to make sure she continues to feel that way”
Ashley continues.
After talking to Malia and finding out how she felt, Zach’s parental senses kicked in and he resolved to show his support to his daughter in a greater way than he has ever had: He decided to let Malia shave his head bald to look like her.
And off comes his hair!
The video posted on Youtube has quickly become viral and shows daughter and father bonding as they both take turns shaving off Zach’s hair into the bathroom sink. All this being filmed by Ashley and while a handmade poster saying “This home runs on love, laughter, and lots of Disney” can be seen in the background. It’s a beautiful and tender family moment that they share together and with everyone else who’s watching.
At one point, Zach turns to Malia and tells her,
“You know what I’m thinking though? As I’m cutting this, I don’t care.”
“I think it’s important that I can look like you and think it’s great,”
he is saying, smiling as he looks at his daughter.
They wrap up their vlog with Malia paraphrasing a quote from the movie, Black Panther:
“I am Malia. I am strong, and smart, and I am brave, and I am beautiful,”
she recites before looking at Zach and saying, “
Daddy, you look handsome.”
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