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Kristen Ridenhour

36, Female

Chantilly, VA

United States

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:: In a Relationship
About Me:: I was diagnosed with alopecia early July of 2003, I was 14. About 90% of my hair fell out within about 3 weeks, most of it while I was at gymnastics camp (worst week of camp I’ve ever had!) I went to a dermatologist once and decided from there not to do any treatments. My mom was too scared of the side effects they could have and I really didn’t want shots in my head. The rest of my hair took the rest of the summer to completely fall out. Since then, I’ve had no regrowth. I wore a wig at school for 10th and 11th grade. The second I got home, the wig came off. My senior year I wore a bandana. It was probably one of the best decisions I ever made and haven’t touched a wig since. I usually go around with a bandana now. I’m still trying to be comfortable enough to go out completely bald. I’ll get there someday. My family and friends have always been very supportive of me. Sometimes I think it affected them more than it did me (mainly my mom though).

I’m originally from northern Virginia. My mom moved down to Tampa after I graduated from high school, so I came down here with her. I have recently graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. I'm now living back up in NOVA for a job. I was a competitive gymnast for 10 years.
Do you have alopecia?: Alopecia universalis
Are you age 18 or older?: Yes - I am 18 or older

Comment Wall:

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Yvonne~Yhoney

"It matters weather your comfortable with it!"
Kristen you have hit the nail on the head! Self acceptance is the key to having a life free of living under the "What will "they" think." It frees you from living under that gun of fear. You have a very powerful statement there! :) And it is the truth!

Jun 28, 2008
Roger

Great photos.

Roger.

Jul 1, 2008
Roger

Thanks. Im fine. Getting better from my cold I got from my Louisville trip ;) bad bad americans LOL.

The sun is shining here in Stockholm so its great. How about you?

Roger.

Jul 1, 2008
Roger

Did you attend to the Tampa conference for a few years back?

Jul 1, 2008
Roger

I heard the Washington one was very fun. Lots of people too. I was so so close to go last year. But I made it this year and im very happy I did. I was the only one from europe =)=)=) They all said....wow are you from Sweden???. That was a very great moment for me to attend to it. Next years will be held in Houston.

Jul 1, 2008
Roger

Hope you can go cuz its lots of people in your age there =)

Roger.

Jul 1, 2008
rj, Co-founder

Hey, Kristen. I love the quote: "At the end of the day, whether or not those people are comfortable with how you're living your life doesn't matter. What matters is whether you're comfortable with it." I also want to thank you for being an Alopecia World-class member! :-)

Jul 1, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder

Hi Kristen,

"At the end of the day, whether or not those people are comfortable with how you're living your life doesn't matter. What matters is whether you're comfortable with it."

Great quote, I could not agree with you more. How is the gymastic school job going. LOL! I Just saw rj notes below! I guess all great minds think alike! ;)

Jul 3, 2008
Mandy

Jul 10, 2008
stacy

hey

Jul 30, 2008
stacy

i'm ok but im starvingg! i was going to make noodles but im so lazy.

Jul 30, 2008
stacy

whatcha doing this summer?

Jul 30, 2008
claire

kristen you look great be proud of that dome x

Jul 30, 2008
Roger

Hi!

How are you doing?

Jul 31, 2008
stacy

i had this one college prep class which made me work like crazyy but i foresee a less stressful August. i'm staying at my aunts and doing nothing really.

Aug 1, 2008
Roger

Ive been great. My 3rd week after a long vacation.

Hows the weather in FL? Hot now?

Aug 2, 2008
Ele

Hello! Such? I was watching your photos are chulisimas!
So I am very busy preparing the bags, because I travel on Tuesday to washingtn and South America.
Delighted to meet you.
Kiss, Ele.

Aug 2, 2008
Carmella

Thanks for the advice. You're right, it's the uncertainity that is really bugging me. I decided to just shave it and if it's going to grow it will do it anyway and if not I won't have to worry about it so... I didn't do a very good job shaving though. Armpits went fine I still remember that one, but I missed a lot on the dome - lol
XOXO
CAR

Aug 5, 2008
Casey

hello back! I see your a gymnist! I was in gymnastics till i was like 12 I loved it! dont know why i stopped..
well nice to meet ya

Aug 5, 2008
Vickie

just a few months, since march, I believe was the month she was diagnosed. Thank you for the welcome

Aug 5, 2008
JeffreySF

Hey Kristen,

Thanks for the chat today.

Cya soon,

Jeff

Aug 5, 2008
JeffreySF

Thanks Kristen,

BTW the movie was great.

Jeff

Aug 6, 2008
Vickie

I just wanted to let you know, I haven't excepted anyone's invitation as a friend, just because I don't know anyone. It will take me a while to be comfortable accepting friendship from just knowing them on a website. I am very reluctant when it comes to that, so I hope you understand and I ask just to give me time to absorb everything. Thank you again for being so positive and enthusiastic, I am truly greatful:)

Aug 7, 2008
Roger

Hi!

How are you doing?

Aug 27, 2008
Roger

Hi.

Im fine too thanks. Fall is coming to Stockholm. Its getting colder here.

Aug 28, 2008
☆Joseph Giallombardo☆

Thank You

Sep 4, 2008
☆Joseph Giallombardo☆

I'm good hbu?

Sep 5, 2008
Dame

Thanks for the welcome :) What part of Northern Va did you grow up in?

Sep 8, 2008
rj, Co-founder

Hey, Kristen. I just wanted to come by, say hello, and see how you're doing. I'm glad that you've stuck with Alopecia World. Our beloved community certainly is all the better for you being here. :-)

Sep 15, 2008
rj, Co-founder

At least you're not distracted by mere busy work. I certainly wish you great success with your studies. What degree are you pursuing? I'm doing well, by the way. :-)

Sep 15, 2008
rj, Co-founder

Civil engineering. Now that sounds like an intriguing and exciting major. I certainly wish you great success with your studies and career. :-)

Sep 16, 2008
Dame

sorry it took me so long to get back to you, i got really busy this past week, anyways i grew up near sterling and reston and right now live near manassas. :)

Sep 18, 2008
Jessica

Hey Kristen,
you should really try for the Armour and if you Doc say theres no diff then he Doesn't have thyroid issues. Really tell him what's the wores you have to switch back. I feel so soooo much better now.

Jessica

Oh yea Armour is like under $10 for a month.

Sep 29, 2008
Jessica

Hey did you have a chance to look at the website?? Also my endo wouldn't give my Armour I had to go to my family Doc and she gave it to me. She's a Do not an Md so she really like to use natural Meds . Wish you the best of luck with the ultrasound .

JEssica

Sep 30, 2008
Roger

Hi Kristen.

How are you?

Oct 7, 2008
Roger

Oct 28, 2008
Shana and Taylor

Do you have a daughter?

Taylor

Nov 9, 2008
Shana and Taylor

Dont be sorry! The reason why I said that is bcuz you are always with that little girl............................oops!

Nov 10, 2008
Shana and Taylor

Well...have fun with your neices and u know what?....STart competitive gymnastics ( only, of course, if you lke it!)

Ltr
Taylor

Nov 10, 2008
Trina

Like you my daughter is a gymnist and competes. She has been such a trooper even though we just made it to AA. I have AU so I feel the desire to not seek treatment. Most of the time it is just too much headache..

Nov 21, 2008
Trina

She had AA for about 6 months. It is in remission and the spots are back except one small one. She loves gymnastics and the competitions.

Nov 24, 2008
eddie opitz jr

Whats goin on Kristen? It's been a while since i've visited AW. Just wanted to say hi. If you hear about a miracle cure Holla! Have a good weekend

Nov 29, 2008
Roger

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year.

Roger.

Dec 21, 2008
JeffreySF

Hi Kristen,

Happy New Year!!!

Jeff

Dec 30, 2008
Roger

Happy New Year Comment Graphics
Comments & Glitter Graphics for Myspace, Hi5, Orkut, Friendster

Dec 31, 2008
Austin

Thanks for the welcome, Kristen.

Jan 18, 2009
Cheryl, Co-founder

Aug 4, 2009
JeffreySF

Happy Birthday Kristen!!!

Jeffrey

Aug 6, 2009
Cheryl Ann Avens

Happy Birthday today Kristen!!!! Hope you have a wonderful day!!!!

Cheryl

Aug 6, 2009
Devin

I'm good Kristen, competitive gymnast for 10 years, Wow! I can hardly do a summersault.

Mar 1, 2010