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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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Susan VanOrder

I am well, actually things are looking up for the fist time in awhile. I am just setting up a boutique to sell wigs, scarves, hats, etc. I have a very good friend who also has alopecia that owns a wig store and she is expanding. I had not seen her in about a year and something told me to visit her earlier this week and she told me what she was doing. I have been wearing wigs for over 20 years and no one ever knows. I guess I have a knack with what works and what doesn't. I am very excited about opening on 6/26/09. We are attached to a spa that has a salon, tanning, massage, manicures, pedicures, etc. It is a great earthy atmosphere.
I was thrilled to read your story and look at your pictures. You seem like a very well rounded person and your interests are very similar to mine. I have just found alopecia world so I have not submitted any photos yet. I love your hair. I have to also say that I will be purchasing two of your books, one for me and one for my sister who is two years older and is suffering cancer driven alopecia. Thank you so much for the welcome.

Jun 20, 2009
SoCalMommy

Hi LeslieAnn~
Great to meet you. I just ordered your book. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Jun 22, 2009
Jada Sousa

Hi LeslieAnn,

You look fabulous number 1, and I have to read that book of yours that everyone is raving about.

Take care,
Jada

Jun 23, 2009
Amber

I am great thanks! Thanks for th welcome and I think I will take a closer look at your book, it seems there are not enough books on the market for people like us!

Jun 24, 2009
sharon levers

hi there thanks for the comments it nice to speak with people in the same situation i dont know any one with alopecia i knew abit about it but you just dont think it will ever happen to you. the trouble with me i need answers to why it has happened but both the doctor i saw or the specalist cant give me any so im left feeling why me any way thanks again for replying going to check your book out hope to speak to you again sharon

Jun 25, 2009
Angela Varnum

Hello Leslie,
Got the book and laughed, cried and fell in love with the book. Thank you!! I also needed to get info on where to see wigs like yours. Any help to offer? Thank you Leslie, e-mail if you like starbucci40@yahoo.com. :)

Jun 25, 2009
Liz

hello. i was reading your profile and i love your attitude towards alopecia. i am definately going to get your book, i could really use some great advice!

Jun 26, 2009
Rachael

Hey! I am doing okay with everything. I love your photos!How are you? You are a very inspirational person! Hope your book has brought you much success...I will definately be purchasing it....kinda going through a rough alopecia too many patches stage...good to hear from you and thanks!

Jun 27, 2009
NiCKoLe

hey leslie.-
yes thats very helpful.- i will get the book. i want to learn nd know everything i can about this.- is the book in stores or only online.? im reallie into finding out about this immune disease.- ive never heard of it buht now.-its crazie to think i could lose my hair.- considering its long very long down to my butt but day by day i notice more and more thinin in my head.but where my bald spot was i do have hair. regrowing and i got my frist injection june 26th which is good recovery.- i feel but im going to go look for the book.tomorrow when i go to the dr.- thanks!!!!!

Jul 6, 2009
margaret and nicole

Thanks Leslie Ann, I appreciate the tip not to waste my time with the onion juice. I just feel like I have to try something, she's only 3 and I want to be able to tell her I tried everything I could. I found the page to Calosol oil, anyone try that? I inquired to see how they designated age 5 as the cutoff and explained my daughter was 3, and I got a pretty curt e-mail back saying that it would all be at my own risk, no money back guarantee, etc. I was just curious how they chose age 5. Anyway, I will check out your book and I'm glad to have found this site.

Jul 6, 2009
Julie Hughes

Hi Leslie,
Thank you for your welcome. I am ok .
Busy as I have just opened a non profit wig donation site in South Wales uk. I can see you have written books on hairloss..Good for you. The more people understand about this situation the better,even people that do not have hairloss.
How are you also?
Speak soon,
Julie.

Jul 7, 2009
Pamela Rosse

Hello Leslie Ann, Mahalo Nui Loa is Hawaiian for Thank You From The Heart & that is exactly where this thank you comes from my heart for not only your kind words of hello but also the wisdom & compassion from your book which lead me to this wonderful web site. Both have been Heaven sent. I was at a all time low when I found your book, finding out your not alone makes such a difference. I over came a great many hurdles especially after reading chapter six, bless you & the other ladies, a touchy subject covered with love & humor. I would have been lost at the wig saloon if not for "the great cover up". If your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing, is my the bald girls guide to everyday living. You like Cheryl were/are an answer to my prayers, truly gifts from above of which I am truly grateful to & for. I wish you so many blessings & continued success in your many endeavors, especially your writing & painting. I love your use of what I call happy colors. Two of my favorites Tammy Gets A Tan & Bald Boogie. Again Leslie Ann Thank You so very much from someone who hit the bottom of the pool at the deep end & pushed up with her feet, she did not drown but found air & a helping hand at the surface. My fears are subsided, I frown much less & smile oh so much more now.
Blessings
Pamela

Jul 7, 2009
Heather Teachworth

Thanks so much for the kind words. It is so nice to meet someone who has been in the same situation. I can't wait to read your book. Thanks again!! Heather

Jul 7, 2009
vicky

"If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!"

I love the title...I love dancing and not having hair it is great, because when you swet you just swep it of and you keep dancing...thats exactly people should deal with AA they should just keep on with their lives, not worry too much about hair or not hair...

Jul 20, 2009
Becky

Thank your for "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" I bought it immediately after your welcome to Alopecia World. That was about 3 weeks ago. I have read some parts at least three times and the entire book twice! Today I was flipping through it again while visiting my mother and she asked me how many times I was going to read it! She was kidding, but it is an excellent tool for how to handle not only your appearance but a reminder that I am not alone in this world with this condition. I'm actually not because my sister has ironically developed AA as well (I know she's read your book at least once, too!) and I have a cousin who belongs to this network who is in high school.

I think maybe for me "dancing" has become like my comfy blanket. I pick it up and it picks me up! Thank you again, you bring the gift of enlightenment to many, many women!

Jul 21, 2009
natalie n.

Thanks for the warm welcome! I am so glad to have found this site. I feel like I have a lot to share with others who also have this weird condition. I am really excited to help others figure out how to manage their lives without hair. I have accepted my new look and how it has changed who I am. Hopefully I can turn this seemingly negative experience into something positive. I'm am excited for that chance!
Stay strong, you look great in all your photos! I'd love to read your book!

Jul 21, 2009
Christine

LeslieAnn,
Thank you so much for the welcome, and the information about the book, I will check it out, love the title, as I couldn't agree more on the keep dancing part. I am glad to have found this site, I still have never met face to face another Alopecian, so I really have a need to share with others who have faced some of the very things I have, and beyond, I look forward to learning more about you and others here. Thank you again, Christine

Jul 21, 2009
JeffreySF

Hi LeslieAnn,

Stopped in to say hello.
Thanks for being such an inspiration on Alopecia World.

Hugz,

Jeffrey

Jul 22, 2009
Shun

LeslieAnn, thank you for the welcome and the information about the book. I will certainly check it out. Every encouraging word, personal story and bit of humor helps me. I am so thankful that I have found this website. Now I don't feel so alone.

Jul 22, 2009
pamela s mcnurlen

Leslie, I need to get a copy of your book. I have been afraid to try false eye lashes, I would be the type who would end up having them pop off. lol

Jul 27, 2009
Jasmine Harrell

Hi Leslie, I am doing well. I am trying to stay positive in all ways possible right now. This hair loss thing canbe very depressing. I have found myslef weraing makeup to make me feel pretty. My husband says I don't need it, but it makes me feel better about myself. I am interested in your book. Is it in stores?

Aug 3, 2009
Marigrace Ramos

I WILL DEFINITELY PICK UP YOUR BOOK!! I COULD USE A LITTLE EXTRA HELP RIGHT NOW TO DEAL WITH THIS.

Aug 5, 2009
Hannah Mae Clements

i just now read your page and im gonna ask my mom if we can buy your book soon!

Aug 5, 2009
LINDA N

LeslieAnn, Thanks for the info I just placed my 1st order my I should have them either Saturday are Monday I can't wait.

Aug 5, 2009
Stacy P

Leslie
Thank you so much. Believe it or not, in the 21 years I have had this. I have only told about a handful of people, and my family of course. I am relieved to see a sight like this and to know that there are people out there who are actually trying to make a change in the Alopecia world. I have always said I am going to find out what the cause of this is and fix it. I actually am in beauty school right now and have been tossing and turning about telling the people I go to school with that I have it. I am 30 and I do not know why I am still embarrassed about it. Now I need to be a role model and to be secure with myself and to help others that feel the way I have. I would love to come out of my shell and let others know. When I am a hair stylist, I have Alopecia , and I would love to do other peoples hair, that have it too. Thank you for telling me about your book. I would definitely like to read it.

Aug 6, 2009
Cheryl Ann Avens

Hi Leslie:
I saw the interview on the morning news of you and your book. I am going to order it on Amazon soon. You were terrific!!!!! My question is: Are you dancing??? (LOL)

Cheryl

Aug 6, 2009
Brandy googe

thank you Mrs. Leslie,
I love you. A big hug to you. Love Jazmin

Aug 9, 2009
Jera Jean Gard

I went to your book signing last year at Brenda Kay's! I was the one who won the print from the drawing! I have to say your book If your Hair Falls out Keep Dancing has to be one of my favorite books of all time! I also live in Portland!

Aug 11, 2009
Tess Hartle

Thank you so much!

It means alot!!

I will look at your book :]

Aug 11, 2009
Lori Van Decker

Hi LeslieAnn! Just want to let you know that I got my print from NAAF and it is now hung at the end of my hallway, where it inspires me first thing every morning!

Thank you for creating such a wonderful image!

Aug 12, 2009
Kimberly Rolon

Hi Lestlie Ann, Im doing good. Thanks for the warm welcome. Lovely photos. Very inspirational and beautiful. I will be looking into your website soon. Thank you.
Kim

Aug 16, 2009
Linda

Hi Leslie Ann, I just finished reading your book. It was so nice to know someone feel the same way I do. I could relate to everything in your book. I am having all the important people in my life read it, so they will better understand what it is like to have alopecia.The illustrations were beautiful too. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. Linda

Aug 16, 2009
Grace F

Thank you again. I was just looking at your website and pictures. You're so beautiful. I will certainly get a copy of your book to read, it sounds very inspiring.

Aug 18, 2009
Nicole O'Brien-Dupye

Thanks alot I do plan on gettimg your book!!! Best wishes

Aug 18, 2009
Amy

Hello Leslie. Thanks for saying hello. I just found out about your book and it will be great to read about another woman's journey through the other side. Just wanted to say hi :)

Aug 21, 2009
Deborah Gay Smith

Hi :)
Just wanted to let you know that ive ordered your book this morning from the
local book store. Am looking forward in reading it...!

Aug 28, 2009
Ann Laurie

Oh wow that is awesome! i was looking at all the accomplishments you have made in your lifetime... it is amazing! I want to get your book! it sounds like it could really help me understand my feelings about this subject. As for the animals and you being on the board of hte human society that is awesome. I would love to do something like that someday!

Aug 31, 2009
Janie Mae Deardorff

LeslieAnn, it might take me awhile to figure out the logistics of AlopeciaWorld. After I sent you the brief email, I scrolled down and read your profile. Interesting that it took 10 years for you to develop universalis. I started with just spots but within a year I had lost all my hair -- everywhere! Dang! I really miss my eyebrows! Thanks again for the welcome. I plan to check out your book -- sounds like you've got a great fan base.

Sep 24, 2009
Pamela Rosse

Leslie Ann, Mahalo Nui Loa is Hawaiian for Thank You From The Heart & that is exactly where this thank you comes from my heart. I know I have thanked you for your wonderful book If Your Hair Falls Out Keep Dancing for it helped me through my first months of AAU & lead me to the AW web site. This thank you is for your wonderful chapter on wigs/cranial prosthesis's. Your chapter was & is so informative it was a huge assistance to & for me when I went before a Administrative Law Judge on August 10th, I was appealing my insurance company's denial of a cranial prosthesis. The Judge had many questions regarding wigs & cranial prothesis. The wonderful thing was between your book & representatives from World of Wigs I was able to address & answer her questions, explain the difference between a department store, Halloween, Tony Braxton HSN wig & a Cranial Prosthesis, what we use. The difference in make, material used, so on. It made a huge difference. You see Leslie,I received the notice from the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Medicare Hearings & Appeals, Western Field Office, The Administrative Law Judge's decision was Wholly Favorable, I won my appeal, I won not only for myself but for fellow Alopecia sisters & brothers, also for individuals who have lost their hair to chemo & radiation therapy, severe scalp injury & burn victims, my insurance didn't cover them either. I'm so excited. I called the NAAF to thank them for the information they sent me & told them of the win, they requested a copy of the Judges dissertation, I faxed it over, I received a call from Laura with NAAF asking permission to send it to another Alopecian who is appealing her insurance company, already this decision is helping others.
I just wanted to thank you so very much again. Twice now your book has had a major impact on my life.
God Bless you, I think Mandy Russell said it best, "your awesome".

Pam

Sep 25, 2009
Lisa Santoro

Thank you Leslie Ann. I will make sure I check out the book. My daughter loves to read and this would be a great book for her to check out...

Sep 25, 2009
Donna Maria Edwards

Hello Leslie,
I look forward to reading your book, because I will never stop dancing! I'm kinda enjoying coming out of hiding with my family. its sort of amusing to me.

Sep 25, 2009
Monica Kumar

Hi Leslie,
Thanks for your warm welcome. I did some reading on you after I got your message. Did not know about your book. Will order it now.

You got it right - my doc said it the best - more than prescribing something for your daughter - I would like prescribing something for you - Watch out on how you think and react, because she will be looking upto you and if she feels slightest of doubt in your eyes - she never be able to grow out of it!

Sep 25, 2009
Michelle Parris

Can' wait to read your book

Sep 25, 2009
Shannon

Thanks for your welcome note Leslie. I can't wait to read your book. I think I'm going to be making the move to shave after three years of fighting with what comes and goes. I'm looking forward to reading about wigs and making the transition to a wig in your book. Thanks, Shannon

Sep 28, 2009
Elizabeth Smith

You did and you mentioned Emily in your book. We have both read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. We shared it with most of Emily's medical team, too, as another resource for folks going down this road.

Sep 29, 2009
Jules

LeskieAnn,

Thank you so much for your comment! This is such a scary time for me transitioning to wearing a wig for the 1st time. I'm scared on how it will all turn out. I'm going to check out your book ;)

How are you?

Oct 8, 2009
Clarabella Yello

I am looking forward to reading your book!

Oct 8, 2009
Lynn

LeslieAnn, I just wanted to tell you I did buy your book and I really loved it. Thanks for sharing your story and giving such practical advice. I have cicatricial alopecia so I'm not losing my hair rapidly, but slowly over time, however, now that I know there are good products out there and how to use them, I will be ready if I ever have to use a hairpiece or wig. I have to tell you too that I was at the gym awhile back and was in a spinning class when Good Golly Miss Molly came on and the "wig hat" line made me choke up!!! I almost lost it in spinning class! But I thought of how strong you were and I will be and got it together and pedaled my bike even harder! :) Thanks again.

Oct 12, 2009
Stephanie

I actually read more about you after my response to your note, LeslieAnn, and am ordering your book tonight!

Oct 14, 2009
Aimee Jeram-Croft

Hi Leslie, I have your book! How exciting that you contacted me :o) You are a great inspriation to me xxx

Oct 18, 2009

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