Watch CBS News

LAPD Officer Helps Girl With Alopecia Get Her Wish: A Wig

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — When Officer Ramon Lomeli starts his shift, he never knows what that day will bring.

But in his eight years with the Los Angeles Police Department, one day stands out to him for the better.

It was the day he met 9-year-old Brianna, who has alopecia universalis, a medical condition that prevents her body from growing hair.

"I have no hair, that's why they bully me," said Brianna, who explains that kids at school make fun of her because of it.

Lomeli first met Brianna around the holidays when she was selling candy, trying to raise funds for a wig.

"As a parent, it breaks your heart," said Lomeli, who bought her holiday gifts and gave her $100, which she spent on a dress for her birthday.

"You should've seen her eyes," he said. "They just glowed."

That would have been enough to tell this story but Lomeli felt he could do more to get her that wig.

"I went home and it was 'Brianna, Brianna, Brianna' in the back of my head," he said. "'You have to do something about it, right.' "

He told his supervisor who told his friend who decided to donate a wig.

"I wanted to help because I think it's really important for people to know that there is a human on the other side of the badge," said Justine Makoff, a supporter.

On Sunday, months after their first meeting, Lomeli was with Brianna measuring her head for the very wig she always wished for.

"I told him I'm very grateful to him for caring," said Yaneth Benavente, Brianna's mother.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.