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RIVERTON — When a California doctor got word that a Utah girl was losing her hair, he went the extra mile to help.
Dr. Gerald Searle's brother, Nick Searle, lives in Salt Lake City and originally reached out to his brother about Abby Matz's story, according to their brother, Jake Searle.
The brothers work for Gerald Searle's practice, Vive Image Center, where the doctor works with hair restoration.
Abby, 13, has alopecia areata, and Gerald Searle said he didn't think she was a candidate for hair restoration, but he invited to fly Abby and her mom, Kim, to California to consult with him. He even paid for one of their days in Disneyland, according to Kim Matz.
The Matzes agreed to take the trip to Orange County, but what they didn't know was Gerald Searle was working with the Hair Club for Kids to set Abby up with a free hair replacement system until she is 18.
Rather than just a regular wig she can take on and off at any time, Hair Club for Kids would shave Abby's head and apply the wig design of her choice with an adhesive. This way, she would be able to wear the wig for three months at a time and continue to do things like swim, ride horses and shower without removing it, according to Gerald Searle.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation has made it possible for the Hair Club for Kids to offer the service for free, rather than the typical thousands of dollars a year, Gerald Searle said.
Gerald Searle said he was impressed with Abby.
"I've seen people with this condition, and it's easy to feel sorry for yourself, but I think that's initially what made me want to reach out is impressive attitude and one of those situations where I think that good attitude should pay off for her," Gerald Searle said.
Kim Matz said Gerald Searle sat down and talked about options with them and let them know he didn't want any doctors leading them astray by telling them hair restoration would work.
Though she isn't sure how Abby will like the type of wig Hair Club for Kids offers, Kim Matz said they do plan to go in for a consultation, and she is very grateful that they have the option.
Abby is feeling really good and feels loved and taken care of, Kim Matz said.
Others have also reached out to help Abby. When Abby decided she wanted highlights before she lost her hair, Kim Matz called the Twisted Loxx salon in Riverton to ask if they could do it, and an employee offered to do it for free. She even added a blue streak.
"Abby really is OK so far with how things will probably turn out," Kim Matz said.
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A good samaritan is raising money for an eighth grade girl he's never met who is losing her hair.
