Dedicated Dad Shaves Beard to Celebrate Preemie’s Homecoming

November 1, 2009 by Cathy Ribble
Filed under: News

When Jason Sucharski noticed his newborn preemie had a blond beard, the 31-year-old teacher, together with his brother and his best friend, decided not to shave until baby Chase came home from the hospital.

Chase Walker Sucharski was born prematurely on July 24 at 1 pound, 7 ounces. Well, yesterday all three men shaved their full beards and today, baby Chase comes home from the hospital.

The baby’s blond beard is common to preemies, a condition known as lanugo — fine white hair that covers a fetus’ body and face. As the infant gets closer to full term, the hair disappears.

“I had heard of lanugo from the baby books,” Jason Sucharski said. “I knew babies grew out of it by the time they’re born. In his case, he didn’t. So, I said, if he’s going to have a beard, I’m going to have a beard.”

When his brother, Chris Sucharski and best friend, Paul Jorgenson came to the hospital for a visit, they decided to support the proud dad in his quest to count down the days until his son came home from the hospital.

Chase was originally due to be born on November 8, so he is still making it home a few days early. It has been a difficult time for the family according to mother Kelly Sucharski, a Transit Middle School teacher.

Chase had “extremely” underdeveloped lungs. He underwent heart surgery, and the surgery helped to improve his lungs. The baby will be going home on oxygen.

“He had to be a fighter to go through what he did,” said Kelly. “He looks so much better than when he was born.”

Today is definitely a happy day for the Sucharski family! Welcome home, Chase!