68

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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Stephanie

Hi LeslieAnn,
Your book arrived in the mail last evening and I madly read through what I will need for my appointment with the wig specialist at noon today. Of course, I want to go directly to Brenda Kay! Would I need to fly out to Portland? As I will need a wig ASAP it seems that I will need something for the interim until the custom one arrives.
I am really enjoying your book. I had dinner with two friends last night and wore a cute hat, which is the style now anyway. Well, I think they guess but I was not ready to tell them. They were kind enough not to ask me outright as I would then have talked about it, and the evening would have had a very different feel. It's too new for me to go beyond my closest friends with this information.
I appreciate your wig care advise as I did wash my piece once but was so nervous and now it REALLY needs a cleaning and I feel confident enough to do it tonight. Now I know what I will need.
Thanks again.
Stephanie

Oct 21, 2009
ginger

Ordering your book today!

You really are an inspiration. Thanks.

Nov 1, 2009
Beth S

Hi Leslie - thank you for the note. I am new to this so just talking to and reading comments from people going through the same thing is great. Any suggestions for thinning eyelashes? Also, what is the best way to order your book?

Nov 2, 2009
Marianne

Hi Leslies Ann :) I will definately check into your book :) It sounds definately like something I would be interested in. I've had AA a few times in my life but never really considered myself as someone with AA, because I had it so infrequently and it really didn't impact my life. Now that I have AU, I realize that this has progressed into something that has really impacted every aspect of my life. Not all have been negative, but at the least, it is an inconvenience. I am a registered nurse and have certainly learned many things about AA/AU. I have been educating my friends and fellow medical professionals. It's amazing how little they know about this condition.

Nov 3, 2009
Sue Helaine

Leslie Ann, Did you get my last email. I went to edit it and I think I may have deleted it in the process. I was filling you in on the hair loss support group I had mentioned to you in an earlier email. Anyway, let me know and I look forward to ordering and reading your book. Your hair is FANTASTIC btw!!!! I see you're an animal lover too!

Nov 8, 2009
Aida Ravaie-O'Sullivan

Thank you Leslie.
I am interested to read books about Alopecia, I am still searching more and more about this..however, to tell you the truth, I am getting better, as I do face to the world now... I am not hiding anymore...even still have few downs here and there....my anxiety attacks are come and go...
I will get your book for sure, as I am going to order another book from Julia Critts too...
Thank you for being here ... and yes the support from this site is such a great help for me. take care and once again thank you.

Nov 8, 2009
jojo

thank you! Am fine....hair grew back a little during pregnancy...hope it stays...though i was just at my docs on friday and she said not to get my hopes up
oh well
I will just keep dancing no matter what :-)
j

Nov 9, 2009
Robyn Kirk

Hi
What are your pets called and yes I'm a animal lover. My mum said maybe I can buy your book, if i do get it I can't wait to read it. I'm sure its great
Robyn

Nov 9, 2009
Debby Shill

LeslieAnn,

I'll go check out the book right now. It sounds like just what I need.

Thanks

Deb

Nov 9, 2009
Ronda Darling

Thank you for eaching out to me. It is really hard, as a parent, to watch you daughter lose all of her hair. Your book sounds like a great one for me and her!!

Nov 9, 2009
J

Hi Leslie Ann!

Great pics!! Thanks for sharing!

Doing well. Just figuring out ways to help my 4 year old cope with the teasing from a kid at his pre-school. My son is now more than ever aware of his alopecia. He has universalis. He never really noticed or should I say it never bothered him until he started pre-K. Your book is a great inspiration for every kid, whether they are a girl or boy.

How are you?

Nov 10, 2009
Patsy Glenn

Hello and thank your for welcoming us. I am going to check out your book right away.

Nov 11, 2009
Jocelyn

Hi LeslieAnn

Thank you for your welcome :) I'm OK today .. had my mind focused on picking out a dress for a wedding I'm going to on Sunday.

It's been tough even though it is my second round with it. It is AA but more aggressive than the past so I've felt it to be a more emotional journey. I just read about your book and I'm very excited to order it. I have been looking over he past year and half for literature o hair loss and couldn't find much. Whatever I did find was very medical based and not emotional. Thank you for writing this book.

Nov 11, 2009
Diep

Hi LeslieAnn,

I'm doing well. I don't have school today so just stay in the dorms and study. I really want to read your book, so I'll order a copy soon. Thanks for writing the book and sharing your experiences.

Nov 11, 2009
Donna DeHoog

Hey LeslieAnn! Your are so welcome! I just bought your book on amazon.com. I have been having a heck of a time dealing with my alopecia! Sick of it! What solutions do you recommend for eyebrow and eyelash loss?

Nov 12, 2009
Cynthia Lee Watkins

A Christmas gift to myself will be your book, LeslieAnn! Is there anyway you can sign it for me????

Nov 14, 2009
baldy

Hi Leslie Ann, I am going to try to find your book.

Best!
Cora

Nov 15, 2009
liberty

Hello. You are so beautiful and I can't wait to buy your book. I'm doing fine today and hope you are as well.

Nov 17, 2009
Geeske

I just read your profile (just now seeing it says you had it for 30 years, didn't see it when I first posted a comment sorry!)
I see you wrote a book, that's great! I'm going to see if I can get it here in The Netherlands!
Geeske

Nov 17, 2009
lisa bea

Thanks Leslie, I actually ordered your book from amazon yesterday. Looking forward to receiving it!

Nov 17, 2009
Samantha

i would really love to go but i have to talk to my mom about it when she gets home from work!
sounds like funn though! =]
i LOVE your book!!
i just finished reading it last week, i know it took me along time but it was amazing!

Nov 17, 2009
CLAUDIA LAJOIE

I am 60 yrs old and not cute like the bald pics I have seen. My hair is only thinning on top a lot and I havent cut the length yet, I just wear a wig & am getting really tired of it. I am a bartender and tey to look as good as I can. I am just having a very hard time with this problem! How can I get your book?

Nov 17, 2009
Mrs. Reyne Mann

Thank you for your inspiration! Love all the sweet animals! Can't wait to read your book!

Christine R.

Nov 19, 2009
Rachel

Congratulations on the book and the awards. Hopefully it makes a difference in a lot of people's lives =)

Nov 26, 2009
Angela

Thank you so much for the warm welcome! Congratulations on your award winning book! I definitely want to keep dancing!!!

Nov 27, 2009
Peggy Parrott

Hi LeslieAnn:
Thanks for the note. I'm doing good. I love your wig. It looks so natural and you are a beautiful woman. Is it a vacuum wig? Where can I get your book?
How long have you had AU?

Nov 27, 2009
Lee Ellen Gorman

Thank you - I just ordered it - I cannot wait to get it - I commute 2 hours each way to work but I will have this book finished in one day, two tops!!!! BTW, what type of suppl hair are you wearing. It is stunning! I have been dabbling in many pieces and so far have a Yaffa full wig and Flora Fall. They are beautiful but I feel so obvious in them. Does that feeling fade?
Anyway, I guess that is an individual thing. But thank you for the warm welcome.

Nov 28, 2009
Patti Clum

I haven't ordered your book yet, but I will. At first I was so upset at the though of losing my hair. I would say - why my hair, that's the only part of me that I liked. Then I thought, that's it - I'm supposed to like the entire package so it had to hurt to wake me up. I went to school for hairdressing - go figure. The wigs opened my eyes. I never pictured myself as a blonde or having any blonde hair. I've had people tell me I look 10 years younger. I'm not sure I want to go back to my natural hair. I feel like I'm much more beautiful with the wig - because my eyes have been opened. It's liberating. Keep up the good work and have faith.

Nov 28, 2009
Trenia Genene Cotton

Thank you LeslieAnn i will keep that in mind and will get a copy of your book to read i have never read a book on my condition so it will be new experience for me......Thanx again, Trenia

Dec 2, 2009
fon rungnapa

Wow! Sound like I gotta get a copy of your book, couldn't imagine you have AU that long and be able to deal with it. My started to grow back in patches and I keep my finger cross hoping that it keep growing.

Dec 3, 2009
Kathy Fliss

Hi LeslieAnn, I'm going to order your book and can't wait to receive it. Do you wear a vacuum wig? Your hair looks so natural. I know the vacuum wig is expensive but I find that as I have gotten older I would love to be able to go to the gym or at least the gym we have at work. But things like that still scare me. Have you ever heard of any insurance paying for a wig? Anyway with all of the funny "wig" stories, I just know your book will make me laugh out loud. I can't remember but are you from Michigan?

Dec 6, 2009
Peggy Parrott

Hi LeslieAnn:
I received your book and read it in two evenings. I really enjoyed it and there is useful information in the book as well as funny stories.. I would recommend it to anyone dealing with Alopecia. Keep up the good work...

Dec 7, 2009
Anji chh

Hello LeslieAnn,
I apologize for not being able to reply u sooner. i was out of town. its so warm and nice to be a member of this website. and its wonderful to know u, especially the fact that u have written a book abt alopecia. its so difficult to live with this condition, but to know abt brave people and to be together with everyone who have same problem is nice, i will definitely read ur book.
happy X-mas and new year to u

Dec 9, 2009
JeffreySF

Merry Christmas Leslie!!!

Dec 14, 2009
JeffreySF

Merry Christmas Leslie!!!

Dec 14, 2009
Samantha V.P.

He Leslie Ann,

My 10 comments are the way to have a beautiful live with ups and also downs.

Wonderful that you wrote a book about AA. I am grateful that you found your way in giving a lot of people hope by writing your book.

Keep up the good work. And many thanks from Amsterdam.

Gr. Sam

Dec 28, 2009
Mary Rangel

i shall purchase your book. thanks for being so caring. God bless you.

Dec 28, 2009
Jean

HI Leslie,
Thanks for welcoming me. I looked at your site and find you quite intriguing. You have gone through all the stages of alopecia, including the physical and emotional aspects. I have only been an observer, unable to truly know what my daughter has been through and is going through. I can be supportive and empathetic,but I cannot own the experience. You seemed to get beyond it and have successfully embraced life. You look beautiful! I am anxious to read your book, If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing. The title of the book sounds like it is an inspirational story which needs to be shared. I will share it with my daughter also. She may appreciate information and stories from someone like you who has actually lived with alopecia. Thank you for being a positve infuence to others.

Jan 3, 2010
Juni Smetana

Thanks for your lovely welcome! I love your art! I've been exploring my inner artist for the past 4 years, and I love it...I'm going to check out your book. This is such a wonderful website! Thanks again x

Jan 6, 2010
Deborah J Ragland

Thanks for the warm welcome, Leslie Ann! And congratulations on the success of your book! I am anxious to read it, especially the "Don't You Just Hate It When . . . " section. Sometimes you just have gotta laugh. It certainly has helped me!

Jan 7, 2010
Cynthia Klein

Thank-you Leslie, it is so kind of you to reach out. I am currently fighting for my proper treatment. Your words of encouragement are wonderful. Your book sounds fabulous! I wil have to check it out. :0)

Jan 11, 2010
Farial Michaelsen

Hi thanks the nice warm welcome. It feels good to really be amongst people that can understand the situation I have been in for yrs. I will have to get your book, always good to have a backup when I feel down.

Jan 12, 2010
Denise

I will look to get your book, it sounds so much like I am feeling. Thank you again.

Jan 12, 2010
Ellen Fromm

Thanks for welcoming me to AW. I'm so excited to see that you've written a book. I've been dealing with AA for less than a year and most of that has been denial because I could cover it with my longer hair but now it's become wig-time and maybe even time to shave it all. I'm just starved for information and just hearing that other people have this and I'm not a freak is very comforting - not that I wish it on anyone else. Looking forward to reading your book!!

Jan 13, 2010
charlene lewis

thank you for being soo positive, and for being you......Hugs Charlee

Jan 13, 2010
Little Mai

Hi thank you for welcoming me to alopecia world! Congratulations on your books achievements :)

Jan 14, 2010
Mili

Hi Leslie thanks for welcoming me to AW, I would like to read your book, sounds great!!

Jan 18, 2010
Annette Thompson

Glass mostly-and jewlery to support my lampworking obsession! I also
work a lot with kids and mosaic. Your photos look so happy...congratulations
on your book and thank you for my welcome!

Jan 19, 2010
Nicole

Hi Leslie,

Thanks for the welcoming :)
I have never heard of your book but it looks very interesting from what I have just searched on google (lol).

When you had AA, did you try cover up your bald spots or as soon as they were noticeable did you get a wig?

Thanks, Nicole.

P.S I think your acceptance is wonderful.

Jan 19, 2010
Tracey Tiznor

thank you for your kind welcome.I am so excited to get started with Alopecia World. And i look forward to getting your book. Keep dancing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jan 20, 2010

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