Hi Christina,
I read your about me, and I went through the same thing as your daughter. I was diagnosed with AA just before my 4th birthday and had almost a full head of hair until i was about 11, when i lost it all. I remember thinking that I was the only person that was going through this. I know that I am older than her, but I think it would help her to talk someone who has and still is going through the same situations that she is. Feel free to contact me if you think this would be helpful. =)
-Alex

Hi Christina,
It's really hard when girls reach their teen years with alopecia.
If you need extra help, you might want to read my book, "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" which has quite a bit of good information in it, dedicated to women and girls with alopecia. You can find out more on my page, and click my web site to order. Good luck!
LeslieAnn

Hi Christina, I wanted to welcome you to Alopecia World. I can honestly say that we are a great community here and I hope you enjoy the time you spend with us. Cheryl, co-founder

I know what you mean. When I was younger, I remember my mom searching for someone...anyone to talk to. Then we found out about NAAF and went to the conference. I don't know if you heard of it, but I would absolutely recomend you going if you can. I think it's a great experience for you and your daughter. =)

My daughter does not have any other autoimmune problems but she does have some allergies. I heard that is another common thread with AA people. I wish I had some magic to help in dealing with this, but it's very tough. Having a good wig and good friends has so far solved the issue for my daughter. I hope it stays this easy.

chicago was actually the first conference that i went to...i was 4..i think. ive been going when i can since then

Hi Christina, maybe we can help eachother... my daughter is 12 an has been chatting with your daughter and i KNOW this site has helped my daughter, How are you doing?
Lets talk
Amy

Hi Christina....I talked to Becky on here a couple of days ago about her wig...it is really pretty. She mentioned she purchased it at Because of You in Oak Lawn. Is that a human hair wig? Did they have a big selection of wigs there? My plan is to call a bunch of places Monday to go check out some wigs. As you know, this can be a very overwhelming process and I'm just looking for a place to start. Since I like Becky's wig, and it's in the area, I thought I'd give them a try. If you have any info, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Thanks for the info! I have only seen a few pictures of Becky, but I couldn't believe how natural her hair looked & how much it matched her real hair. It looks amazing!
Did you have to make an appt. for this place? I was thinking of going in there tomorrow, since they are not open on Mondays. How hard is the up-keep on that wig? This is my first time looking at wigs, so I'm on wig-overload right now!

Christina...thanks for the info. I will definitely ask for Joyce. I'm going to hold off until next week, though. Becky's wig...when you wash it, does it just re-shape itself?

How long has Becky been dealing w/ Alopecia? How quick was her hair loss? She seems to have a great spirit. I was just diagnosed at the end of April. Although, over the past 8 years, my hair would fall out a lot in the shower and seem to get a little thinner. I never really thought anything of it. It was when people started asking me if I was sick, this last time, that I realized something was wrong. I didn't notice that my hairline had receded and my eyebrows had fallen out. It made me look malnourished. It was as if it happened overnight. I couldn't imagine being 13 and dealing with all of this. The stress that kids put on each other is enough now a days...I hope she keeps up her strength. She's a beautiful girl.

my page is way cooler then yours =]
oh burn!

Hi Christina...I just wanted to let you know I never ended up going to Because of You. I had my eyebrows tattooed, which made me feel a thousand times better. I just chopped off my hair, added a bunch of bangs, and put a lot of blonde in it so it will blend better with my scalp. So far, so good. I feel normal again. If I ever have to go there, I will mention your name.
Did you hear about the Areata Support Group Meeting this coming Saturday in Oak Lawn?

Glad to see you Christina! Becky is such an awesome girl. You must be so proud of her. ;) Glad to see you in the Chicago group.

in ur dreams.

Hi Christina.
Thanks for accepting my friend request. I have 2 daughters and a son and have no idea what i would do to make them feel better if one of them lost their hair. That just hurts my heart thinking it. Going through it myself I know it helps having my mom to talk to and the support she offers.
Becky looks like a wonderful little girl and her hair look great is a vac or reg wig?
there is a pic of me what i used to look like on my myspace page so you can put a face with the name.
jessica
new to the computer stuff so not sure how to download pic's have to have my husband do that. lol

Hey Christina,

Well she looks happy in her pictures I do hope that's how she feel inside. With the support of her family and friends she will cover come anything that comes her way.
Is that a wig she's got on? It looks great if it is.
I commented on the vaccum wig dicussion. I've been asking a ton of quesitons and from what everyone is saying they are next to having your onw hair again. I've met the women to sells them in our area her web site is www.newlifehair.com her name is Karen you should take a look at her site. also on her page she had a family who wanted a vacuum for their daughter but couldn't afford one out of pocket so they were raising money for it. I think they raised over 3,000. Also there is another site you may want to look at its Team Alopecia lots of great info on there, take a look.

well take care
jessica

I know they are very expensive there is also another place in oak brook you may want to check out. I think they may be a little less and are closer to home if repairs are needed. But you can look at it this way.
1. They do cost a lot and insurance will not cover at least mine wouldn't cover my reg wig. but I did claim it on my taxes as a health expence.
2. I've heard depending on how aggressive you are like do you sleep in it or how ofeten you style and wash them they don't wear as fast.
3. you can use tax refund to pay for it
4. other wigs last 3-5 months so you have to keep rebuying them so your spending a lot on that too.
you really should look into starting a fund for her I bet a lot of people on this site would be willing to help her out and donate, that's what I saw on Karens site.
I know what you mean though I have 3 kids and would love another but gosh they are expencive critters. Two of mine are headed to school this year and yeah with back to school clothers and supplies I hear you loud and clear.

I will get you the name of the other vacuum wig maker in the area.

Hi Christina,
I have only got one response and Jillian is only able to make weeknights so we are going to have to figure out something. I will let you know soon if more people want to join in or maybe we could meet ourselfs

Hi,
Totally understand, I too can't get out of the house until late but I will keep checking on the response to the get togehter and see what we can do.

yeah i am 15!
sorry i havent replyed for a long time!
oops! :D
it all started when i was 7 and grew back but then occurd and i have been dealing with it ever since!
my hair just started to recently start to faall out again!
its hard to deal with but i am doing a pretty good job!
so how have you been?

Hi it's me again\
I have the infor on the other vacuum dealer in our area he is in Oak Brook Il the name is called Bloombrook International you can order a free DVD and information packet on line I guess he is more affordable