Due to childhood illness, Laura Hudson has been completely bald since she was nine years old. Laura's hair loss is due to Alopecia Universalis, an auto-immune disorder for which there is no cure. Growing up, Laura was constantly teased and tormented at school, had few friends and was told that she would never amount to very much. Fearing rejection, she hid the fact that she wore a wig for fifteen years, even as an adult.
The acceptance of her husband and children challenged Laura to change her life and she decided to start by changing the way she thought about herself. She accepted that she could live with being bald and wanted to help others. She wanted to help children and others understand why teasing hurts and how much damage it can do. She knew the effect teasing had on the way she saw herself growing up. She wanted to spare others from being made to feel worthless because of someone else's thoughtless comments.
Laura's ministry has expanded and found a place also through the hearts and lives of women. Laura says, "a little girl with wounds grows up to become a woman with very deep scars. I can relate to her, I understand her pain."
Laura says, "I would have given anything to have someone tell me they understood what I was going through, that it was OK to be different, that if I just hung in there and was strong I would be victorious. It would have made all the difference in the world. I could have been spared so many doubts, questions and fears. Since I didn't have that person, I want to be that person."
Laura knows how hard it was to grow up "different" and be a Christian and have a Savior to call on that was faithful and loving. She can't imagine how hard it must be to go through life's hurt and trials alone. She shares with audiences that, "God loves you with a love that embraces you whether you are over weight, under weight, handicapped or like in my case bald."
Laura Hudson may not be a common household name but her story is known and talked about in homes throughout the nation. Laura was first introduced to the country by way of a national television shows The Learning Channel's (TLC) "A Makeover Story" and the relational talk show "His Side, Her Side". In addition to working full time in the music industry, she travels performing speaking engagements at Churches, Universities and Conferences incorporating both life and comedy into her events.
Laura, thanks for forming the Alopecia World group named "Using Your Difference!" It's going to make a positive and powerful difference in the lives of many people. ;-)
Thanks for the kudos. I'm loving the fact that there's so many people out here embracing where they are in life instead of loathing it. I'm so glad I this site was created. Take care.
Hi Laura Im AU also,
I really liked what you wrote, I was quite lucky I didnt really get teased or bullied so much there was the odd remark but because I didnt respond to them they got bored, ive had alopecia since i was about 12, Ive had periods when it has come back for maybe a year but sadly my hair always leaves me lol,
For the past 5 years or so I have had know hair on my head, and about 3 years ago my eyebrows and lashes went, this was more traumatic for me than my head hair, Ive spent the last 3 years drawing them on but I am going to have semi perm makeup in about 3 weeks just before my wedding So i am very excited!!!!
Thanks for reading xx
Hi Laura - I remember seeing your episode of "A Makeover Story" and getting so excited to see someone else with alopecia. I am from a small town and didn't know of anyone else that had it. Thank you for your vulnerability and the good works that you do. I know many people, including myself, have benefited from it. Take care. :-)
Wow. Your story could be me. I feel the same way and have had all the same problems. If I could help one child feel better about having this disease I would be happy. Is there a group I can join?
Hi Laura, Your story could be mine as well. I was tormented endlessly for years...and what made it worse was that my parents were ashamed of me...The shame became part of who I was as a person for a long time. Years of therapy helped me to cope, but I never entirely accepted who I was; until I married my soul mate. Anyway, I wanted to tell you that your "hair" is beautiful..what do you wear?
Laura, You are such an inspiration!!! I live in Nashville Tn and we are neighboring a town called Hendersonville and was wondering if that is the same H'ville you call home? I just wanted to say hello.
Hi Laura, I have been quietly aware of you and your work in alopecia awareness for some time. After years of on/off AA/AT and hiding, I have made peace with my alopecia and "came out." My hope is that perhaps I can help someone else. Thank you for your brave example.
Hi Laura!
I'm not sure if you are from Hendersonville, NC or where, but..
I am from the Charlotte/ Burlington Area and I am hoping to get a support group started in NC. Please let me know of any questions you have and if you are interested. It is all sort of up in the air for now.
HI Laura! Your story really reached my heart. I canbt inderstand why there are cruel people that hurt others because of something freely. I have telogen effluvium and its very hard for me
going out with my awful hair...I don“t know how will be life with wigs and explaining to people what had happened to me. What people think is very strong for me.
Hi Laura, my daughter Samantha loved your group session and had a great time. She is planning to do a talk about Alopecia to her girl scout troop this year and I think she would like to incorporate some of the things you did yesterday. I am going to look at your website on the paper she drew on. Thanks Cindy
kastababy
Mar 14, 2008
rj, Co-founder
Mar 14, 2008
Roger
Mar 14, 2008
Porcia
Mar 15, 2008
Orbit
Mar 15, 2008
Ellie
Mar 15, 2008
claire taylor
I really liked what you wrote, I was quite lucky I didnt really get teased or bullied so much there was the odd remark but because I didnt respond to them they got bored, ive had alopecia since i was about 12, Ive had periods when it has come back for maybe a year but sadly my hair always leaves me lol,
For the past 5 years or so I have had know hair on my head, and about 3 years ago my eyebrows and lashes went, this was more traumatic for me than my head hair, Ive spent the last 3 years drawing them on but I am going to have semi perm makeup in about 3 weeks just before my wedding So i am very excited!!!!
Thanks for reading xx
Mar 21, 2008
Kristen
May 5, 2008
RENEE
Jun 12, 2008
Lori D.
Jul 13, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder
Aug 2, 2008
Angie W.
Aug 18, 2008
jamie1
Sep 16, 2008
Melody
I'm not sure if you are from Hendersonville, NC or where, but..
I am from the Charlotte/ Burlington Area and I am hoping to get a support group started in NC. Please let me know of any questions you have and if you are interested. It is all sort of up in the air for now.
Regards,
Melody.
Nov 11, 2008
JeffreySF
I came accross your page to and wanted to say hello.
I wish I could make the Cruise. Maybe next time.
Jeffrey
Jul 13, 2009
Karina
going out with my awful hair...I don“t know how will be life with wigs and explaining to people what had happened to me. What people think is very strong for me.
Jul 13, 2009
Maria, Mia's Mom
Aug 9, 2009
Cindy
Aug 9, 2009
Cindy
Aug 10, 2009