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Jenn

Female

Utah

United States

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:: Married
About Me:: I am a blessed wife and mother of 3 (2 boys 1 girl). My DH and I met and began dating when we were 17. We got married when we were 22. I graduated from college the semester we married and I began teaching. I, very happily, work in special education. Our beautiful children are 10, 7 and 5 years old. They are sunshine! My alopecia onset occurred at age 33 when my youngest was 3 years old, I lost my hair within 5 weeks time (everything but half of my left eyebrow and my eyelashes--by the way, half an eyebrow doesn't aide in beautification :}). My family has been a wonderful strength in my journey (before and after alopecia--though that is not how I define my life). I am the oldest of 6 children and my youngest brother (19 years old) also has alopecia. He had his first loss in 5th grade and he is an example of amazing positivity. I cried at times during the first 24 hours following the "official" diagnosis, but he put it in perspective for me and I have been fine, even happy, about this crazy thing I can't control.
Shortly after I achieved total baldness, I came home from work and my middle child ran by my car and waved. I noticed that he didn't have any hair. When I went into the house my sister (who is a stylist) told me that he had asked her to cut his hair like Mommy's. My oldest tells me that he can do hard things because he knows that I do hard things. My youngest loves to rub my head, especially when there are little pokey hairs and kiss my head. Her whole preschool class yells in unison, "Take off you hair!" every time they see me. Kids are wonderful!!!!!

I have had regrowth and loss a few times in the past years, each time I learn a different lesson. Who would have thought so much growth could come from hair loss? Love it!

Bald Girls Rock!
Do you have alopecia?: Alopecia areata
Are you age 18 or older?: No - I am not 18 or older

Comment Wall:

Shannon

Hello friend! I recognize you!!! How are you? When I saw that it was Jenn, adding me as a friend, I was hoping it might be "this" Jenn!

May 28, 2008
Shannon

the wig i got is just a synthetic. if you want, you can see when i got it on my blog: http://perlasparlor.blogspot.com/2008/04/change.html

May 29, 2008
Shannon

where do you get your wigs? do you have any pics of you with them on? its funny because it took until i became comfortable with myself completely bald that i then wanted to wear wigs. i guess its because i finally realized that my hair doesn't define me so i will do whatever i want!

May 29, 2008
Mandy

Hi Jenn! Wow sounds like you've been thru a lot. My AA has just started. If you ever want to talk, I am here!

Hugs,
Mandy

May 29, 2008
Mandy

I agree! I feel like losing all my hair would be much easier to handle than all of these patches! I have over a dozen bald spots now and it's just so frustrating. I think that once it gets to the point that I can no longer hide them with a ponytail (thinking it will be soon) then I'll just buzz it off. ;o)

May 30, 2008
LeslieAnn Butler

Hi Jenn,
How are you doing with the alopecia? I have had it for 30 years!
You will find a lot of support on this site!
LeslieAnn

May 30, 2008
Carmella

Welcome Jenn!
XOXO
CAR

May 30, 2008
Bob Hershberger

Hi Jenn..You found us!!! Welcome to AW,and I hope we can be friends or chat..Anyway,welcome..I love the half a eyebrow story..Alopecia doesnt really seem to care where it hits..Stay strong..Bob

Jun 1, 2008
gerald

You are one beautiful lady!
I love your look in a feminine headscarf!
My beautiful wife is bald with alopecia universalis, and I love her in headscarves and her bald look.
To me, bald women are often more beautiful than women with hair. You can see an attractive woman's feminine features better when she is bald.

Jun 1, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder

Hi Jenn, 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

Jun 1, 2008
LeslieAnn Butler

Hey, fab that you have the print! That print is the cover of the book.
Hugs!

Jun 3, 2008
Bob Hershberger

Jenn..where you being sarcarstic about the eyebrow comment..I hope not,as I thought you were being very uplifting by being strong enough to make fun of yourself with the eyebrow story..Your response seemd a little harsh,by saying half a eyebrow doesnt do anybody any good in case I was wondering? Jenn..I have had AA for 38 years,and the last thing I would do is make fun of someone period..AA or not..I hope Im wrong..Bob

Jun 4, 2008
Bob Hershberger

Thanks jenn..I was hoping I didnt offend you,as I just wanted to mention how that helps keep us sane..Good for you,bob

Jun 5, 2008
Matt

Thanks, Jenn. I like your pictures too!

Jun 6, 2008
Carmella

I have one on the back of my neck (butterfly), left shoulder blade (Mama sea turtle with to babes), right shoulder blade (japanese for 'life and birth' & 'woman'), right hip (scorpio 'M' in a spiderweb) and my right forearm (flames) ... to poor to add on currently. How about you?

Jun 7, 2008
Zoey

Hello there.. Hope your having a terrific week!

Its getting sooo hot here!!

Jun 11, 2008
Zoey

I tie them off to the side. Then I pull the fabric out in the back of my head. Makes a fuller look.
My sister in law saw a picture of my with my light tan scarf on and she thought it was blonde hair... She asked my mom who that was..lol
I said, "Hello that is me" Funny huh!

Jun 11, 2008
Roger

I agree....baldies rocks!

Roger.

Jun 12, 2008
Zoey

Your welcome :)

Jun 12, 2008
KnittyCat

Hello, I just wanted to thank you for stopping by my page. I love knitters, too. I just got finished w/ a baby afghan, booties and a scarf. I have just started another pair of booties tonight. I have been knitting since I was in the third grade (on and off). I am not a expert by any means, just enjoy making things. I like the fact I improve every time I make something. I have had Alopecia since the age of 13. I used to wear a wig anytime I left the house, I hardly ever wore one at home (even as a teenager). It took me some time to get to where I didn't care what people think. I am now 51 and, believe me, what people think of me w/o hair is the least of my worries. I have learned to love me as me and that made a world of difference. As far as knitting tips, I guess we'll discover them as we go along. I'll take some pics of the next thing I make and post it. There's a social page for knitters called ravelry and knitting daily is the name of a web site I like. Lion Brand has a monthly newsletter, too. Keep in touch and keep on knitting.

Marie "knittycat"

Dec 10, 2008
KnittyCat

That is awesome that your son wants to learn to knit. I love the being able to take a piece of yarn/string, whatever, and w/ the use of 2 sticks you can make something that is beautiful as well as useful. I, also, crochet. Over the years I have probably crocheted more than I have knit, this is why I still consider myself a novice knitter. I guess I am probably a little more that novice but by no means am I an expert.

As far as products for eyebrows, I use Cover Girl eyebrow pencil and draw them on w/ small, individual hairlike strokes. I guess I learned to make eyebrows while drawing faces in art class, now I just use my face (lol). Hope you holidays are going well.

Merry Christmas.

Marie "knittycat"

Dec 23, 2008
Eileen Simpson

Hi Jenn I love your profile you are a very sweet caring person. It's not easy doing what we do for a living, but I love my kids to no end. When their having a bad day I listen, when their all smiles I smile with then. When they just need to left alone we have a spot for that too. I've missed them these past two weeks and wonder how their all doing. I can only hope that their days were sunny and they can remember a good Christmas.
There are 9 students right now with a total up to 10. They range in ages from seven to twelve. We have FAS to Bi Polar.
I know the dark times and hiding so no one will see you cry, the fighting away that there is a certain amount of shame in all this. Women are taught that their hair is important and my case I was not allowed as a child to cut my hair, it grew to be past my knees. Most of the time it gave me such a headache, when I turned 18 I got it choped off and still have that hair today. I understand it takes a great deal of human hair to make a wig, wouldn't that be something if I could do that?
I'm sorry for your hard times and would take all this away if I could. Don't know the real reason we are tested. Faith? Not sure really..

Thank you for adding me as your friend.

I wish for the best New Year ever.

Jan 2, 2009
Carmella

I thought we were friends too, weird. I probably did something stupid like hit the button that says unfriend while trying to look at your blog or something. Or it's a random glitch. Shrug.
You have so many great photos up, I think I'll just watch your slide show now.
XOXO

CAR

Jan 3, 2009
Maygensmom

Hi Jenn. I do not suffer from alopecia, but my daughter Maygen does. I read that you are a teacher. I am as well. I teach in Texas. You are a beautiful person and your family is wonderful. I thought I was gonna cry when you said your son wanted his hair to be like mommies. I love the pic of your son's wearing your wigs. Humor and fun are the energy that keep us enjoying life. Keep smiling, your's is beautiful!

Jan 8, 2009
Shannon

hey jen! haven't touched base with you for awhile. how are you?

Feb 1, 2009
Deeptide

thnx for the comment, I'd liked to have an admin with AA at my school too. but I found these types of programs are so much more helpful to a person like me then regular high school ever was. :)

Feb 2, 2009
Shannon

Hey Jenn,
I remember you telling me about your younger brother at our lunch but that was quite a while ago now. Where is he serving? Do you like my cute little caricature my friend made? Yep, I'm pregnant. I'm having a boy at the end of April. Crazy, huh?

Feb 4, 2009
JeffreySF

Hi Jenn,

Glad you liked my humorous spring wig. Hehe

Jeff

Feb 6, 2009
Natalie

Jenn- I loved reading about what your little ones say about your hair :) You sound like you have a wonderful and supportive family. My family has been great in this whole process, too, and they are all going to be there when I shave my head next week!! Your attitude is inspiring, so thank you :) Take care, Natalie

Apr 11, 2009
Natalie

Thanks so much for the support, Jenn :) I have one quick question and I feel kind of silly asking, but I honestly don't know the answer. Where do you get your head scarves from? Can you get them from just any old department store or do you order yours special online or somewhere else? I just realized that I have never thought of that and I suppose now would be a good time haha. Thanks!
-Natalie

Apr 12, 2009
Natalie

Jenn- Thanks for the help! That is a terrific website- I will definitely be getting some of those in the future and stopping by a TJMaxx soon. Countdown to the shave: 2 days! Can't wait! Take care and talk to you soon, Natalie :)

Apr 15, 2009
Natalie

Hi Jenn- Yes, bald girls really do rock!! I'm so glad that I shaved it off- it was amazing! I am the happiest that I have been in a really really long time :) I love being bald! And my new lace wig is pretty wonderful, too. Now if only the weather would warm up, then everything would be perfect hehe. Hope that all is well and talk to you soon.
-Natalie

Apr 23, 2009
Karina

What do you wear evry day: bandanas or wigs?

Apr 24, 2009