I have not personally had to live with the physical and biological burden of alopecia but this monster has been in my life since the day I was born. I think that I have a peculiar case:

My twin sister was born with alopecia areata and I was not.

Most times I wonder what happened here? Alopecia just came out of no where. None of my relatives or other family members have this trait so it is easiest to say that it just happened. Doctors said it was stress but who knows, this world is crazy. I have watched my sister grow up with with thin hair, gone to support group meetings, folded and stamped newsletters, brief appearance on True Life MTV, etc. my point is that alopecia has been in my life more than I acknowledge. I cannot empathize with my sister and her struggles but I lend my support whenever I can. For my sister, I know that growing up with alopecia was not the easiest thing to cope with nor would I ever any other child to grow up with the fear in that they are losing their hair. Now, she is the most hard working, independent, successful college student, and most confident beauty guru I know; she gives me all of the beauty advice!

For those with no hope, please reach out to support groups/pages/people (ME)! We only get one life to live and we can begin to better ourselves by embracing our identity and who we are because we are more than just looks. Find something that you are passionate about too. Passion for things like food and music is what keeps my days bright and shiny =)

You are beautiful! xxx