Published: January 30, 2009
Sitting courtside before a recent game between Toronto and Milwaukee, I was impressed to see Charlie Villanueva spend some time with a handful of children before the game. While that gesture was nice in itself, what made it extra special is the 20 something children were wearing CV31 Foundation headbands and had various degrees of Alopecia areata.
After he returned to the Bucks locker room Villanueva took some time to chat with Hoops Addict about his foundation and the importance he places on giving back to children with Alopecia areata.
Ryan McNeill: I wanted to talk with you about your CV31 Foundation. I noticed tonight that there were a ton of kids out here to chat with you and they were wearing CV31 Foundation headbands. How important is this foundation to you?
Charlie Villanueva: It has been important ever since I’ve been in the NBA. Having these kids who are dealing with Alopecia come to the games is important to me because I’ve got a special place for them in my heart.
McNeill: I’m a teacher here in the Toronto area and there’s a student at my school who was recently diagnosed with having Alopecia. What kind of advice would you give to her or any other young children who gets diagnosed with this?
Villanueva: Just always try to stay positive and find a tool to overcome. Basketball’s my tool to overcome what I was dealing with. Mentally you have Alopecia, it doesn’t have you. You can definitely take it down and I’m living proof that you can overcome it. If I can do it they can too.”
McNeill: You have your foundation set up here in Toronto and I’m assuming Milwaukee as well. Do you have it set up in any other cities?
Villanueva: Yeah, I do this in Toronto, Milwaukee and any other city I go to. We also do this in New York, Chicago and a few other cities. I’ve done it in about 15 cities I think.
McNeill: What does your program entail? How do you reach out to these kids?
Villanueva: I’m the national spokesman for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. You can contact them and they’ll set it up. I’m just trying to give these kids hope that they’re not by themselves and I’m proof of them being able to overcome this.
McNeill: Thanks for your time Charlie, keep up the great work.
Villanueva: Thanks!
Photo Credit: ICON Sports Media
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