'Charismatic' 3-Year-Old Suffers From Skin Disorder

Emme Warner was only 9 months old when her eyelashes began falling out.

Much of the rest of the hair on her body followed, and before she had celebrated her first birthday, Emme—who is now 3 years old—had been diagnosed with alopecia areata, a common autoimmune skin disease in which white blood cells attack affected hair follicles, causing them to fall out, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). The condition affects more than 5 million people in the United States.

Naturally, Emme’s condition—particularly before her diagnosis—was a source of stress for her parents. Her mother, Amelia, was one of a small group of new mothers who frequently walked with their children in the Rolling Green section of Cinnaminson. The group of about seven or eight moms became fast friends.

“When we realized something might be wrong with Emme, they really rallied around us,” said Amelia.

When she suggested organizing a fundraiser to raise awareness—and money—for alopecia, those same friends leapt to the cause and made it their own.

One of the members of the unofficial Rolling Green moms group, Melissa Feeley, said Emme herself has served as the inspiration for their enthusiasm. No matter what outward appearances might suggest, Emme is a happy kid, Feeley said, and it’s infectious.

“Emme’s an extremely charismatic child,” she said. “She’s just one of those kids who enjoys every moment … She’s a good role model for children, whether they’re sick or healthy.”

The “Free to be Me” fundraiser will be held Sunday, Aug. 11, at Riverton Country Club. The event will feature many family- and kid-friendly activities, including live music, swimming, face painting, an outdoor movie (Disney’s Tangled) and a Chinese auction. Tickets are $35 for adults and $12 for children 4-12; kids 3 and under are free.

Proceeds will benefit the NAAF.

Despite its commonality, awareness of alopecia areata is low, according to Amelia, and there are no FDA-approved treatments for the condition. Though hair loss is the only outward symptom Emme has exhibited, the less obvious effects of the disorder include susceptibility to allergies (due to loss of nasal hair) or conditions of the ears or eyes, as well as psychological stresses—not to mention potential future health complications.

“The long-term implications to her health are unknown, and the treatments are unknown,” said Amelia.

In addition to being grateful for her daughter’s health and good spirits, Amelia said she is thankful for the kindness of her friends. 

“It’s really a testament to the type of people we have in our community,” she said.

The event will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, at the Riverton Country Club (1416 Highland Ave., Cinnaminson).