Dad, Friends Grow Baby Beards for Preemie

Friends show their support through a crisis in all kinds of ways. Some bring casseroles, some send nice notes to cheer you up, and if you’re Jason Sucharski, some grow beards.

Jason Sucharski’s son, Chase, was born months early, weighing only one pound and 7 ounces when he arrived in July. While he was being treated in the NICU at Sisters Hospital in Buffalo, Jason visited his very vulnerable little baby son and discovered, as he put it, that the baby had a little blond beard.

The hiar was lanugo, that downy fur that covers babies in the womb. Usually, they lose it before they are born but seriously premature babies like Chase often still have it.

Sucharski decided if his son had a beard, he’d grow one too until his boy came home. He told his best friend, Paul Jorgensen, and brother, Chris, about his scheme. They decided that if their friend was going to do it, they would too asa show of support for him and for their son.

The men got a little razzing (”Grizzly Adams” was a common nickname), and Jorgensen took advantage of his natural look by dressing as Paul Bunyan for Halloween.

The beards came off Saturday, because little Chase was scheduled to come home the next day, a few days before what would have been his due date. He’s endured heart surgery and will still be on oxygen at home. Best wishes to the family, and to that tough little boy.

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Tags: beards, Buffalo, fathers, friendship, lanugo, NICU, premature babies