Hello and welcome, Brandy!
I know how hard it can be. You want to make it better for your daughter, and you can't fix it.
Let me know if I can help. I wrote a book which might be good for both of you to read, called "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" You can find out more about it on my page.
Hugs to you both, LeslieAnn

Hi Brandy,
I know exactly how you feel. My daughter Alyssa is 9 and she lost a small patch last year which came back, and this past january the alopecia came full force on the top of her head. I am sorry to hear that kids are making fun of your daughter. That is awful! In my daughter's class, the school nurse went to talk to the kids about alopecia and assured them that it wasn't contagious and that Alyssa was going to be okay. They have been wonderful, and so has she. She comes out of school smiling (no wig or hat to cover) and acts like normal. I must say she has an amazing personality which perhaps is helping her deal with this. Plus we are treating her and she is hopeful that her hair will grow back. I on the otherhand feel that it probably won't but I am doing what I can to try and get it back. I also am angry and depressed, although Alyssa would never know it, I stay upbeat for her and basically cry in the shower or car. Alyssa also has asthma and multiple food allergies. She recieves allergy shots and takes advair. The allergists say the alopecia isn't related but who knows? My thoughts are with you and your daughter. I understand your pain!
Barbara

Red Ribbon

Hi Brandy,
Thanks for asking. Alyssa is doing okay. We had a second batch of injections this past week, which is never fun! She is being very brave and is being rewarded each time she has to go through it. Her dermatologist also suggested trying minoxidol (rogaine) too. I am not sure about that yet since it isn't made for kids, it is for women. How is Jazmin doing? Have you opted to try any treatments for her?

Hi Brandy, I am sorry to hear that your daughter is having social issues due to her alopecia. This is unfair and unjust and a result of a lack of understanding. Samantha never had any issues of teasing by her peers. I think part of the reason is because her friends at school never saw her bald, but they did notice the brows and lashes disappear and still never said anything negative to her, they were rather supportive. My suggestion to you is to address the teasing issues with the principal an school counselor. Also, most people find it helpful to send a letter home to the parents about their childs alopecia so they can educate the kids. You can also do a talk to her class about her condition or I even suggest the entire grade. NAAF has a school packet and video that you can use. Also, have you contacted the Childrens Alopecia Project? www.childrensalopeciaproject.org. It is free to join and they can also help you with doing a school presentation. They will even do it for you. Contact Betsy betsywoytovich@yahoo.com at CAP and she will help you get set up. She mayeven able to help you find a family in your area. This summer they will be holding the second alopeciapalooza. It is an event that I think you and your daughter may benefit from. Betsy will give you all the details.

Have you been able to to educate your daughter about her condition so that she can be her own advocate? The Girl with No Hair is a great book to get started. Also, has she done any treatments? Sam is on a treatment that has been working for her. She has been wig free since June. If you are interested in head coverings. Sam wore headbands with hair sewen into them. www.hatswithhair.com. She loved them. The hair club for men also offers free wigs age 6-17 through their kids club. you can go to www.hairclub.com to get the info. Sam wore those wigs for a year.

I hope some of this info was helpful to you. Please let me know how else I can help. cindy

I know, people can be very cruel. I'm surprised to hear that your school doesn't want to support her. There's a "School Package" on the National Alopecia Areata web site that you can get for free which includes a video that your school can play for the kids to educate them on alopecia. If you want to give it another try, you might send for it: www.naaf.org.
You can get my book on www.Amazon.com. Just google "If Your Hair Falls Out, Keep Dancing!" Some moms and daughters read the book together.
Blessings, LeslieAnn

I think it is awful that your daughters school is showing a lack of support to Jazmin. I really think you need to speak Jeff Woytovich who is the founder of CAP. He may be able to give you some great advice even try to get into the school to give a talk on Alopecia. Please email Betsy who is his wife and the master mind behind CAPS smooth operation. Tell her what is going on and that Cindy from Mass told you to contact her for some assistance. I would also ask the principal if you can send a letter home to the classmates. Your daughter is not being treated properly by the school dept and something needs to be done and you need support and help. I think CAP can give you that. If your school dept is not going to cooperate you may need to seek legal representation. Let me know how you make out. Cindy

Thank you for the picture its pretty..And we shouldnt care if people like us or not there just jealious because we are beautifull and there not.......

Hi Brandy,
I don't know if the injections will work, so far I see nothing but more hair disappearing. It is so hard to watch! I took her and a friend to a park and everyone seems so carefree and all I want is to feel that way too. I know things could be worse, but it doesn't mean it doesn't still hurt! I agree with some of the others that you should speak to your school and educate the kids about alopecia. Alyssa has multiple food allergies and even before her alopecia arrived, we would speak every year to the kids and I think it makes a big difference in how they treat her and look after her. I hope things get better for jazmin.

Thank you Brandy and Jazmin!! I hope you had a happy easter as well. Amanda has been at her grandmas for easter week. But when she gets back she will write Jazmin. I will talk to you later...