Despite being a skilled player, new Boston Celtics forward Jordan Walsh faced mockery from fans due to his alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss all over the body.
However, his life changed when he saw a video of retired NBA player Charlie Villanueva, who also had alopecia, discussing how he overcame the disease to have a successful career.
Via an uncle who knew one of the former UConn star’s teammates, the pair met, according to an article by The Athletic’s Jared Weiss and Mike Vorkunov. “(Walsh) was struggling with Alopecia and the parents were looking for answers,” Villanueva said. “Lo and behold, I was 30 minutes away.”
“He was really helpful, more than anything off the court,” Walsh said. “Just with my head, my confidence, just stuff like that, because he understands what I’ve been through. I can tell him everything, and he’s been through the same thing. He’s got great advice.”
The Celtics star made use of signing his new contract to help shed light on efforts to address systemic racism in the city and hopes to found a new Black Wall Street in Boston, a sign of the depth … https://t.co/VIAwH6oESG
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) July 27, 2023
“One thing I told him is to make sure that you have Alopecia and Alopecia doesn’t have you,” explained Villanueva. “He’s got to have control of this disease, regardless if your hair is coming back or not. Stay positive and use it as motivation to get to where you want.”
“I felt like I needed to be in control of my life and don’t let Alopecia be the thing where it quite literally takes control of me and affects the way I move on a daily basis,” Walsh said. “I’m just expecting to go in and work as hard as I can. I want everything I do to contribute to winning this next banner for the Celtics.”
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