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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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Cheryl, Co-founder

He Leslie, I wanted to see how things we coming along with your new book? Did you attend the conference, did we miss you?

Jul 3, 2008
RENEE

Leslie, I received your book last week, and finally had a few mintues to read last night. I could not put it down. I was up till 1am reading. What a great book. I onlt wish it was around when I was first diagnosed. Everyone with alopecia, or anyone who knows someone who has alopecia should read your book. I will be sharing it with my family and friends when I am finished. Thank You for creating just a great book.

Jul 3, 2008
Gale

Hey there. My daughter ordered me the book online, so when should I be getting it? I am so ready to read it. Thanks

Jul 3, 2008
Gale

I am doing well and yourself? Thanks for asking

Jul 3, 2008
VanessaVandalism

o.o hii!! thats a long time!
i only had alopecia for about a year.
well thanx for the comment :D

Jul 3, 2008
Liliana

Hello LeslieAnn, I must say your name is unusual and beautiful too!
I am new in this site, and fairly new with this condition, so I have lots to learn, lots to experience in times ahead, so I am so glad to have found support from all of you amazing people, not all is negative!

Jul 3, 2008
Melissa Romanowski

The conference is all together motivating, gives you self confidence and acceptance and is quite educational. You will be able to take what you learned and share it with others. I felt that I was also alot more comfortable in my own skin and more easily shared my story. I am starting my savings account now for my Houston trip next year. How long have you had alopecia?

Jul 4, 2008
Lori D.

Hi LeslieAnn,
I've been on vacation or else I would have replied sooner. I've had this for a total of 37 1/2 years so it's really a part of me...I've never even washed my own hair..or had to shave my legs for that matter....it's pretty much all I remember when it comes to "hair." I've been wearing a wig for 35 years; before that I had a small spot which lasted for 2 years before it all fell out. Your book sounds interesting! I'll have to check it out.

Jul 5, 2008
rj, Co-founder

I learned about the Oregonian article via Google Alerts. ;-)

Jul 6, 2008
Khabalu

Hi LeslieAnn,

thanks for your supportive comment.
I am doing well recently, which is bec of my new 'accesory' and a loving boyfriend :)
I would ask, how you are doing, but I am more than sure that you are well :)
Best wishes :)

Jul 8, 2008
Gale

thank you so very got it all worked out. How is your day going? I hope that it is good.

Jul 9, 2008
LOUISE MOLINA

hI Leslieann today im wearing cyber hair.lAST YEAR THE HAIR CLUE TOMORROW I DONT NOW .bUT I NEED GOOD HAIR LOL.i THINK YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

Jul 9, 2008
Melissa Romanowski

I would really love to read your book though I think I have to be forced on vacation to find time to read a book. How are you these days?

Jul 11, 2008
Rae

I'm doing really well- so happy I've found this site! I really did feel like I was all alone with this and I got SOOO tired of people always assuming I have cancer!

Jul 12, 2008
KATHLEEN WEIBE BROWN

I AM DOING WELL THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

Jul 12, 2008
betsy slagle

Thank you for your welcome - Do you know anyone in the 60 age bracket in baltimore, maryland ? Would enjoy having a friend to share with. Being an alopecian is a lonely business as so many hide it so well - all that amazing hair is far too expensive for me ! I find synthetic hair affordable and easy to care for and I also wish people would make phone calls - the world has gone too techy for me ! Sometimes I think I grew up in a lost generation. So happy to find this site though - thanks for listening. Betsy

Jul 12, 2008
Peyton

Hi. And I'm doing fine.
I think I'm going to have to see if I can get that book!
Well, it kind of gets harder to hide my spots but usually I just part my hair diferent ways and I recently just got bangs to hide some patches in the front of my head!

Jul 12, 2008
Laura

Hi There! Thanks for the information. The only thing is I can't find any wig shops around my area and the ones that are listed in the yellowpages are just hair salons. So I am pretty much stuck at this point. So fair I am just losing the hair underneath and it has started moving up closer to my ear on one side. So right now I am just trying to find somewhere so when I do lose the rest or if I do I know where to go.

Jul 12, 2008
Maggie

Hi LeslieAnn!
Yeah Marietta is only about 30 minutes from me. What a small world huh? I am doing well; a lot better since I found this site. I didnt know of anyone else with AA, and its hard for my family/friends to really understand; mostly they are just upset. I am doing very well today though. I think today is a good day, because I am not at work and dont have to wear a hot itchy wig and act like its my own hair lol. I see that you have written a book, is it only available online right now, or can i get it at a bookstore? Also, how are you? How is that Oregon weather?

Jul 12, 2008
Renee

Thanks - I will definitely read your book.

Jul 12, 2008
Jaime

Thank you so much for visiting my page, I am enjoying the community and support so far. I wish I had had this support and information ten years ago when the onset of alopecia started. I had never heard of it until I was diagnosed and had a difficult time at first. The older I got the more I studied alopecia, eventually I learned to embrace and except it. Besides it is fun one day I get to be a brunette and the next a red head. Take care and I am doing well, keeping busy being a new mommy.

Jul 12, 2008
Peyton

I never really thought about hair extensions!
THey could work!
I asked my mom if she could buy me the book and she said yes!
When I read it I'll tell you what I think of it!

Jul 12, 2008
nathalie

I went to your gallery website congratulations it's so great I like it
keep on painting and take care of you
it's nice to meet you

Jul 12, 2008
Peyton

Ok. I'll make sure I read the book first!

Jul 12, 2008
ruth

i noticed that i wrote alot =) i am going to try to buy your book since in reality right now is when i am really dealing with AA...unlike before when i had a few patches of hair loss, i was more in denial about the "illness"

Jul 13, 2008
Lynn AKA Mom of 2 w/AA

Hello Leslie. Thank you for your kinds words. My daugther is 11 and my son is 10 ~ they are fourteen months apart. So far, the kids' bald patches are not showing, so I don't think they are yet that effected by the loss. They seem fine with the appointment for shots every four weeks. Applying Roggaine morning and night can disrupt play time, but I am trying to be quick about the applicaiton. When I learned my daughter had it again (beginning three months ago), I felt like someone punched me in the stomach every day for a few weeks. Then, I was feeling grief over the hair loss, but trying to hide feeling that way, from the kids. Then two weeks ago I learned my son had it, and I thought I would faint onto the floor. But then, I grew to quick acceptance and I will do my darnest job to help the hair grow back i.e., shots & Roggaine this time around, for both kids. At my stressfull job, I try not to think of what school will be like in future years for the kids. The stress of the job while worrying about the future, really makes me tear up, and I need to be strong for the kids now. I think the best thing for me to do as a parent, is to take things day by day, and deal with things on that basis. Congratulations on your book. I will be on the "look out for it." Best wishes.

Jul 13, 2008
Linda

Hey Leslie Ann, thanks for stopping by, I love the artwork on your page, you family is beautiful and so are you!

Jul 14, 2008
Zoe Dusting

Hi LeslieAnn!
I am doing really well thank you. I'm thoroughly enjoying summer! How are you doing? I did get your book! And my mom and I both read it. I brought it to the conference too and showed it around. I did some advertising for you! Haha. I enjoyed reading it and I LOVVVVEEDDD the pictures/paintings. They're amazingly great and so much fun. Anyways it was great to hear from you! Take care:)
Z

Jul 15, 2008
Carol B.

Hi LesllieAnn,
Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I am going to get the book this weekend. I am in a book club and I will recommend it as well.

Thank You

Carol B.

Thank you,

Jul 16, 2008
Holly

Hi LesllieAnn,
I guess it has been 18 years for me. I was about 10 when we started taking trips to the specialist 3hrs away. I am a bit nervous and excited at the same time. I have never had a conversation with someone else who has alopecia. I am glad I found this site.

Jul 17, 2008
Karen Martin

sorry I have not got in touch with you. I don't have net service at home anymore and just hopped in to check messages. Hope to be abler to get back with ya soon. You can email me at Neebone@hotmail.com. I seldom come n here anymore since I only get 30 minutes at a time at the library on the computers. LOL Cute babies... LOL I look forward to hearing from you by email if you get a chance.

Jul 18, 2008
amanda~

Hi LeslieAnn,
Thanks so much for your warm welcome. I cannot believe I've been dealing with aleopecia for such a long time and doing it on my own.
My friends are super supportive of me but I know they do not fully understand what I go through each day and how I feel about my hairloss. I do not understand why the world cares so much about hair? I mean, it's just hair!
I definitely am glad I found this website. Your book sounds great. I'll have to check it out.

Jul 18, 2008
Paaggeeyy

Hi LeslieAnn,

Thankyou.

I'm Doing Great Thanks..You ?

Yeh I Do Have A Great Attitude To Alopecia.
It's Part Of My Life..Has Been For 9 Years.
The Way I Look At It Is..I Don't Care Anymore..
I Don't Have Any Hair So What.

Page...x

Jul 18, 2008
Terry Wagner

Thank you for the welcome. I'm doing better thanks. As a matter of fact all of us are doing ok. I'm looking forward to joining discussions.

Jul 18, 2008
lauren

hi i wrote it on my blog . thanks for saying hi

Jul 18, 2008
Laurie

Hi LeslieAnn,

Whether or not I have Androgenetic Alopecia or just telogen effluvium, I love the people on this site - so friendly! Thanks for the compliment on the boys - I have to agree!

Jul 18, 2008
meghan

aww thanku, i do love the red one to although its a bit uncomfortable i mainly live in my blonde one i love it :). Im doing fine how about yourself? xx

Jul 19, 2008
Lori Younkman

Hey Leslieann, thanks for the welcome! I am very impressed by this site and hope to be of help to some who may be new to the world of alopecia and wigs. I know that it very new and intimidating in the beginning. By the way...LOVE your artwork! My husband and I are small time collectors and some of our favorite artists are Tarkay (even before he was a household name) and Mouly among others. Your work is right up our alley! Where can I see more?

Jul 19, 2008
meghan

Just on the internet mostly just look out for ones i like. Ive just done a 2 yr art painting course at college. What kind of paintings do u do? xx

Jul 20, 2008
Ashley

The picture that is the cover to your book...my stepmom bought it for me because i love it! So i took it to hobby lobby & i am getting it framed and a matte. It will look amazing. The guy that helped me loved the picture, and he said there were so many colors to work with! he was so excited. i love that picture. it will be on my wall soon. =)

Jul 20, 2008
Lori M

Hello Leslieann,

Thank you so much for welcoming me. Your wigs are certainly very beautiful. I just don't have the luck and I am also looking for shorter wigs to look like my natural hair which is what you are looking at in my profile pic. My own hair is so fine so when I put these other wigs on they look massive....It just screams wig...... I basically have been wearing my hair short and razor cut so it would stick up all over the place. It was so much fun my hair with my three colors in it. All the short wigs still look really big and my own natural hair would never do the things the short wigs do....Such a nightmare.... Can they make shorter wigs out of human hair that look natural? I would even consider going for longer layers.....like a page boy cut as long as it looked natural...you know like I was growing my shorter hair out.....

Ohhhhh your website is awesome. What an artist! I most certainly will check out your book....

Jul 20, 2008
Lori M

Hey Leslieann,

Can you get your book at an Indigo or Chapters?

Jul 20, 2008
Cheryl S. Moore

LeslieAnn, I received your book and have been reading a chapter or two every night before I go to bed...It is great! I say it is a must read for all newly diagnosed subscribers. Your artistry is phenomenal, too. Cheryl

Jul 20, 2008
meghan

I tried oils but didnt really get on with them i use acrylics they normally get the desired affect i want. I love doing figure work most of my second yr at coll i loked at nude figure. I'll have to go and check out your paintings xx

Jul 21, 2008
Bri

Morning Leslie!!!!
I am extremely interested in your book...
It looks fabulous as do you, in your pictures!!!
I'm from a small town so is it possible to order it from an independent bookstore....
Thanks for your comment, and I can't wait to read your book. xo

Jul 21, 2008
Donna Evans

What I have gotten read of it has been really good. I can relate to a lot of it but thankfully not with the lady who's husband took off on her or the girl who's mom blamed her for it. I have checked out the pictures and love the art work. I have been thinking that I'd like a print of the one on the front of the book for our bar in our house. Still thinking about it. I hope to get more read soon... summer is a bear for free time to read. My mom has read some of it and got a kick out of it.

Jul 21, 2008
carrie

LeslieAnn! I live in Eugene and a Portland friend of mine who knows about my Alopecia sent me the write up on you in the Oregonian. I'm hoping to make it up for one of your readings in August. And I'm looking forward to reading your book! Take care!

Jul 21, 2008
sgomez

Hi my new friend! So glad to hear that your book is getting great reviews!! (I'm sorry I haven't visted your website yet) I plan on doing it soon. I hope you are having a great day! Hope to hear from you soon!

P.S. Your puppys and kitty are sooooo darn cute!! (sigh)
Just precious :-)

Jul 22, 2008
Roger

Hi.

A curious question. Can a man read your book too or is it for women only? =)

Roger.

Jul 22, 2008
myranda

wow that is a long time
ya i have so much to my story but if i wrote it all
out it would end up being a book and my mom has done that
for me lol
she wrote it from how she saw it now im just trying to get it published
im doing great im just looking to help more teens and show them that things that seem awful actually make you stronger

Jul 22, 2008

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