68

LeslieAnn Butler

Female

Portland, Oregon

United States

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:: Engaged
About Me:: I'm an artist and author living in Portland, Oregon. I've had aa for about 45 years. My award-winning book, "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" is still available at a number of online sources including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Written a few years ago, it's not completely up to date on medical findings, but these are readily available on this site.

Here are a couple of reviews: This "how-to" book provides a much needed text on dealing with emotional and cosmetic aspects of hair loss, whether from alopecia areata or chemotherapy. It details where to find and how to use products for compensating with this loss. It is written in the same bold and bright style that characterizes LeslieAnn's illustrations." -Janet Roberts, M.D., Portland Oregon

"This book is helpful, hopeful, funny and fabulous. It's full of practical advice about wigs, intimate encounters, the inappropriate questions from strangers, and other issues you face when every day is a bad hair day. Women with alopecia, LeslieAnn Butler is your new best friend " -Margie Boul , Columnist, The Oregonian ..

"An essential read, whether you've lost hair, or care about someone who has. Leave it to Leslie Ann to bring humor and glamour to a difficult topic. She is a living testament that the lack of flowing locks is no reason not to live your most glamorous and joyful life. Be inspired and uplifted by this remarkable woman's personal journey." -Nita Lina Howard, Author of A Woman's Journey is Her Legacy

I wrote "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" to help other people -- particularly women and girls --and it's one that I wish I had been able to find when I discovered I had alopecia years ago.

I have stumbled through all the stages of grief (feeling guilty because, after all, there are worse things than alopecia), figuring out how to look normal, bouncing from one treatment to another, buying and ruining or rejecting dozens of wigs, losing every single hair on my body, figuring out how to tell guys I was dating, living in fear of the wind and someone touching my head…all in all, going from heartbreak to acceptance to joy and confidence. And it's all in the book, along with experiences of others, advice on wigs, makeup, products, treatments -- and how you can celebrate your life with alopecia areata, go after your dreams, and know you're not alone."

Hear a live interview at http://www.insidescooplive.com/author-pages/Butler-LeslieAnn-readin....

Visit my artist web site at www.leslieannbutler.com.
Do you have alopecia?: Alopecia universalis
Are you age 18 or older?: Yes - I am 18 or older
Your Website (Leave blank if you don't have one):: http://astore.amazon.com/ngp-20/detail/1933449586

Comment Wall:

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Lee

oooh that sounds bad! sorry for your bad experience with that! I have my eyebrows done. I had to. I was bad a drawing brows on...real bad! lol I will order you book soon. I'm excited for it ; )

Jun 3, 2008
karen

Hi Leslieann
Thanks for your comments.
I've also had alopecia for over 30 years, I was six when my hair all fell out, but hey, there are worse things that could of happened!
Karen

Jun 3, 2008
Supermom

Thanks for your comments. I am just losing my hair now, high over my ears, at the back and now a spot where I part my hair. I can cover it up so you can't see it.Not sure whats going to happen but I have my health so things aren't so bad.

Ican't imagine having it as a kid. Not fair for kids to have to go thru it.

From this site, I gather most lose their hair or most of it.How fast does it happen? Its been about 7 weeks for me so far?
Nancy

Jun 4, 2008
Supermom

I'd love to read it. Where can I get a copy?

Jun 4, 2008
Annina

i live nearly 2 hours by train from milano :)

Jun 4, 2008
kim trivett

she is doing ok thank's for asking and yes sometimes i to think it's harder on the parents.

Jun 4, 2008
Janet

LeslieAnn,
Thanks for the message. I think I'm doing great with my life with alopecia. I have just returned from a trip to the other side of the world (by myself) and feel totally self-actualized. There is so much in the world outside ourselves. I think that is the wonderful thing I've learned from my alopecia experience. From your pictures, it looks like you've gotten that same message. Keep goin' on!

Jun 4, 2008
ASHLEY

THANK U SO MUCH FOR TELLING MY MOTHER ABOUT THIS PAGE, I AM ENJOYING IT

Jun 4, 2008
Maggie McCubbin

Thanks, I'm trying to learn the flow of the website. Trying to learn how to find things. I'm hoping I can learn from everyone here. Thanks!

Jun 5, 2008
Alyia

Hi LeslieAnn,
I work with sculpture mostly but some painting too :) I love cooking! I've been bald for about 10 years now and I love it :) It's nice meeting you.
-Alyia

Jun 5, 2008
JOAN

Hi LeslieAnn,
Just calling in to say Hi, and hope you are well and have had a good day over there.
Its been a beautiful day over here, after all the rain we have had, and with summer now here, its good to see the sunshine. (at last)
Hoping the sun shines on you.
Take care. Joan.xx

Jun 5, 2008
Tracy

Thanks dear for the welcome. l see you done a great job writing abook. thanks for that . will look it up

Jun 5, 2008
wi_jenny

Thank you fro the welcome... I cant wait to read your book. I hope you have a nice weekend!

Jun 5, 2008
Salmezan

Hi Leslie, thanks for the welcome. So you've had AU for 30 years? I have had it for 28 years. I guess for us it is much easier to accept since we have had it almost all our lives. I have accepted it at a much earlier age. Not having hair shouldn't stop you from enjoying your life!

Jun 6, 2008
Bonnie

Hi Leslie,

Sorry it took so long to reply to your comment but I had recent surgery. After looking at your photos I thought great wigs! Where and what kind do you get them from. I have alot of them but some look awful (don't wear).
Take Care and God Bless!
Bonnie

Jun 6, 2008
Annina

So you wrote a book....I work in a bookshop,we sell books in foreign languages and we often order books in theU.S...through Ingram books.
It would be interesting to have your book on our shelves....but I think...as soon as it arrives my boss would guess I ordered it.Ah ah ah

Jun 6, 2008
Ele

Hello! Thank you, a kiss, Helena.

Jun 6, 2008
Tracy

thanks for the link

Jun 7, 2008
Melanie

Thank you for the lovely comment! I'm currently in remission (knocking on wood) from my totalis and only have a few spots that remain bald... I've totally accepted my hair for what it is and rarely hide what I've got. I'm so glad to finally "e-meet" you! Your painting has always made me smile... ;)

Jun 8, 2008
HeatherRae

I have had aa sine like 6th grade(only pathes) but just last summer it entirely fell out. I struggle with it but I am doing better just a few days ago I went out with out a hat or wig or anthing and it wasn't too bad so ya know I'm getting somewhere. 30 years? wow how have you coped with it?

Jun 8, 2008
Billie

Thanks! I have had it AA for over 17 years now. Ups and downs but all the more stronger!
Nice to meet you!

Jun 9, 2008
Deeann

Glad to hear you are in the Northwest. I hope copies of your book have been flying off the shelf. I am also in the process of writing a book. It seems as if that is very therapeutic. Perhaps we can meet up if I am in Portland, or you head up North.

Jun 9, 2008
LM

Leslie, Your page is inspiring. I am going thru such a range of emotions being AT vs. AA. I cannot seem to find the right wig, etc. I hope that being a part of alopecia world will allow me to talk to others who I can relate to.

Thank you for your kind words.

Lourdes

Jun 9, 2008
LM

Leslie, Your wigs are amazing. You look so natural. I live in South Florida, but it was nice that I met someone thru NAAF who lives in my area and recommended a wig salon in Ft. Lauderdale. I will be trying it on June 25th! I currently use a YAFFA wig. What do you wear?

Thanks for your support. Is your book available already?

Jun 9, 2008
Zoe

Hey there:-)
I still need to get used to this AA look and in particular to my wig. I think it's warm, uncomfortable and artificial. I mind the public and I don't really go out alot.

Jun 9, 2008
Heather Curtis

Hey thanks for the hello. Ah San Fran is so nice indeed. I love it. I moved here in January and it's amazing.

Jun 9, 2008
Kristal

Thank you so much for the comment! Your story sounds amazing. I definitely want to buy your book! I think my eyebrows are starting to fall out...they seem to be getting shorter and thinner...ahh! How do you do your eyebrows? I want to start filling mine in a little bit, but I have NO CLUE how. It's still weird getting used to everything, despite the fact that it's been happening for about a year and a half. Again, thanks for the comment...I really appreciate it. I love your wigs!

Jun 9, 2008
Mari

Hi, thanks for the welcome! I am so glad I was told about this site and everyone is so sweet

Jun 11, 2008
Dina

Hi LeslieAnn- Just wanted to let you know that I purchased your book tonight and I cannot wait to get it and read it and talk to you further!!

Jun 11, 2008
Donna Schillaci

Hi Leslie,
Good luck to you and well wishes on your book.
Donna~

Jun 11, 2008
Shane McPartland

Hi Leslieann! Well yes, I guess you could say that I speak French rather well...I studied there last year and completely fell in love with it. Lived with 2 different host families..the experience totally changed my life.
Well, I've had AA since I was 9 years old. One day my mom was combing my hair and noticed a quarter-sized patch. Ever since then, my hair has never fully grown back..I wear wigs now and love them, but it took a while for me to feel comfortable in them. I used to use different camaflogue techniques with my own hair (dark brown sprays and things of that nature..Toppik) I have more hair on my head than I do anywhere else on my body..draw my eyebrows, no eyelashes. I'm thinking that I will eventually get universalis though, later in life.
Anyways..thanks for the welcome! That's great that you wrote a book! :)

Jun 13, 2008
Carla

Hi Leslieann,
Miss is a great girl! She does great with it. She was more upset about how I would react this time than the idea of having it. She said, "I have all those bandanas still if I need them".
You are right, it seems to be harder on parents and other family than them.

thanks for posting,
Carla

Jun 13, 2008
ashley

Thank you for the warm welcome to a.w. i wish this was here when i was younger it would have helped alot you seem like a great insperation good luck with your book .and thanks again

Jun 13, 2008
stacy

Hi! I love all types of cows really. I'm Hindu and they're very sacred to us. About my Alopecia I've had it since i was 13. I had AA for two years and AT for the other too. Currently I have AT (this profile picture was taken right before i lost all of it). I'm doing pretty well, considering i only have one year of high school left! woot =] How about you? I hope everything is all right. Thank you for your comment, it was very sweet. I'm also VERY happy that you like Jersey cows!

-Stacy Ann

Jun 13, 2008
Shane McPartland

Wow! I love your paintings! They are gorgeous! I just graduated with a BA in Art History, so paintings and french combined together are right up my alley! hehe Love your impressionist style!

Jun 13, 2008
stacy

Yep they're mean but thats just their ignorance speaking.
-Stacy Ann

Jun 13, 2008
François

Hi LeslieAnn !
Hi looked at your page and read some of it & seen your pictures...I have to say, you are a very nice woman both in the inner and outer side of you...
François
Montréal Qc. Canada

Jun 13, 2008
knitstertoo

I got my first spot in '59 and was wearing a wig at 17, within 4 years. I had cortisone shots, and every other type of treatment one can think of inbetween of and the shots continued 'till about '67 when the doctor said, to just stop wasting my money.

I lost my eyebrows and lashes around '74. Great that I have never had to shave my legs or underarms, Actually did not realize that until my daughter began to shave hers. What one does not have, one does not know!! Even TV commercials never clicked. DUH.

I have my Master's in Educ. Admin. and began my Ph.D, but was too old to get a job as an administrator in 1995. I was blessed with Multiple Sclerosis in Dec 2000 and Hashimoto's Thyroditis in January 2001; both auto immune diseases.

Have been married for 42 years to a great man, stayed home with children until our son was a senior in hs when I subbed and then taught for about 10 years. Glad I did because I am now retired on disability and have my own money. Cause of the MS.

Children are 35 (36 next month) son, married - VP and Marketing Director of a bank with two children - g/ 3 in August; b/5 in July. wife great, lives in MI. Daughter 30; not married a hair stylist lives in Chicago suburbs.

I knit, read and am a gadget guru. Mom broke her hip on Monday and I have been spending hours, hours, hours, .... at hosp. Brought her to Williamsburg 18 mos. ago and she is in an Assisted Living Facility here.

I have worn two hard vacuums, two soft and am about to order my third soft. Love the freedom they give me.

That is my life. Also, I have a sister in NY.

Jun 14, 2008
Carol

Hi Leslie,
Thank you for the welcome.

I had AA. when I was about 7. My mother took me to all kinds of doctors. Finally, I went to a dermatologist in NYC and started taking coritisone orally and injections. My hair finally fully grew back after 6 years. Although it didn't grow back that great on the sides and bottom in the back.

Throughout the years, I had a couple of problems with spots here and there but some kind of cortisone cream did the trick. In the meantime, when my mother went thru menopause, she developed Alopecia Universalis.

When I was 55 my hair started falling out really fast. Within 2 months,all of my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes fell out. I'm now 61 and have pretty much learned to live with this.

I was a member of the Westchester Alopecia Support lwhich Thea Chassin started until I moved to Sarasota in 200.

I look forward to corresponding to with members of Alopecia World and possible finding a support group in Sarasota.

Jun 15, 2008
claire

you are a beautiful looking person....

Jun 15, 2008
claire

your silver tabby persian is lovely mines a blue and white torte persian, how long have you had au...

Jun 15, 2008
claire

ps and your dog is lovely to, what breed is he/she.

Jun 15, 2008
kim trivett

Thank you for asking, right now everything is going pretty smooth .I am so proud to have such a strong little girl.

Jun 15, 2008
Christel Hertz

Thank you, my daughter is great. She is a great person, smart and beautiful. Sometimes she gets a bit sad and tells me she wishes she had hair, but most of the time she copes really well. I do not know what we would do without her Freedom wig it is brilliant. I am so happy that she now has a change to communicate with other people with alopecia it helps a lot.

Jun 16, 2008
Holly Ralston Oyler

LeslieAnn,
How wonderful to hear from you. Are you coming to the conference?

Jun 16, 2008
JOAN

Hi Leslie Ann,
Thanks for your message and sorry I havent been back to you earlier, its so hard to get to the computer as my son is doing his citations, and spends every waking minute on this.
Hope the weather has gotten better for you, its quite lovely over here, its been great, sunny, and warm.
Hope you are well, and your family also. Hope you have a good week, and take care.
Joan. x

Jun 16, 2008
JOAN

I see you have added more photos, I love the one of your cat amongst the Christmas baubles....its beautiful

Jun 16, 2008
JOAN

Thanks so much, good night, sleep tight!!!

Jun 16, 2008
claire

your animals are as beautiful as you !!! hope your having a good week.

Jun 16, 2008
Cherylnz

Hi LeslieAnn,
Have just looked at your photos and they are great, you are a beautiful lady and your furry friends are so cute. We have a dog too, love cats but have not had much luck with them (we lived on a busy road and lost 2 with been hit by cars), so it was too heartbreaking to have it happen again, so we adopted a German Shepherd-x dog from our local animal shelter (SPCA) and she is a lovely loyal friend. I do not understand how anyone could have mis-treated her the way they did. Thanks for the nice welcome you left on my page and I hope you have a lovely day (it is Tuesday morning here)
Kiwigirl

Jun 16, 2008

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