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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LaNae

I am terrific. Thank you so much for the welcome. I have browsed through some of the background and interviews you have online. You are obviously a positive factor in many lives. How long has your book been out and how has that ongoing exposure and mentoring experience been for you?

Feb 15, 2011
LisaGunner

Hi LeslieAnn thanks for the welcome, so pleased i finally found & joined AW nice to find so many strong positive influences on here, and be able to help others where possible, you look amazing in your pics, i look foward to joining in and reading the many blogs/ dissusions ( 2 small children & time permitting ! ) as do I look forward to reading your book :-)

Feb 15, 2011
Larondalyn Sims

I'm doing fine and yourself it's good to see a website where you have something in common with everyone thank for making me feel welcome!

Feb 15, 2011
Stefanie Catella

Thank you for the Welcome! It is so nice to be connecting with other folks in the same situation! I am anxious to read more on your profile and your book sounds wonderful!

Feb 20, 2011
Lisa

Hi...your pictures are great!...I'm loving all your "babies"...we have a big ole fluffy Border Collie :)...
My daughter is doing well, thank you...still has not lost all her hair, not sure if she will or not...she has enough to pull into a ponytail, but there's so little of it...she's very self-concious people will say things and will "know"...have these amazing hair wraps from this woman on artfire.com...they're about 5" wide and we have several patterns for her... just hard being 10 and such a girly-girl who LOVES accessorizing!...we're atking it a day at a time, and she really is in a bit of denial still...not ready to look at all the alopecia sites and gain more info about it yet...we had steroid shots about 3 weeks ago and see a little bit coming thru...how I wish there was some way to at least tell her one way or the other that it will or will not come back.
She's an amazing person. Gifted,both academically and artistically, wins art awards, gets straight A's...has a ton of friends...I know she'll be fine, she's way way braver than I am. Anyway, I will get your book and read it, hoping to share it with Nina one day! :)
Take care...
lisa :)

Feb 20, 2011
Laura Taylor

Hi Leslie. Thank you for the nice welcome. Im getting your book today! I need some information on how to deal with Peytons AA. He is a 16 year old boy with his 2nd bout with AA. We are doing the shots and cream and vitamins. Seems like this time it might just keep on going until nothing is left. We were told his AA might be caused by Concerta...a drug used to treat ADD. He hasnt taken it for 3 wks now but we dont see any hair regrowth. He seems happy and he doesnt show that it bothers him...I know it does though.

I think it is wonderful of you to welcome everyone like you do. You must be a very kind woman to take on everyones fears and concerns about alopecia. Im looking forward to your book...is it something a 16 yrs. old boy can relate 2? Any other recommendations for me or for him? Thank you....Laura

Mar 4, 2011
Rosemary Janeiro

We are doing well, thank you. I haven't had much time to get on here since starting my profile, but I'm very excited to get a copy of your book very soon :)

Mar 14, 2011
PJ

Hello there thank you for noticing me. I was reading a bit on your book and would love to read it.Can you please tell me if it is on audio? This is the only way I seam to be able to " read "a book I love to listen to them in my car or while puttering around the house.
thank you for your time
PJ

Mar 15, 2011
Débora Montano Trombetta

Hello!
Thanks for asking. Actually I am a little disappointed with this situation. I'm losing the hair of the eyebrow and has been very difficult to look in the mirror. I'm keeping it tight and trying to be strong, but sometimes I want to hide indoors. I was very curious to read your book!!

Mar 17, 2011
Rita

H i LeslieAnn.... thanks for asking l m well, all l can say is l am so grateful for this group, l must get your book , it sounds like a winner , all the best from your fellow alopecian friend from down under Rita : )

Mar 18, 2011
Hope

I'm fine, and you?? Just feel so much better about my situation since I've found this site! Never had a chance to discuss my condition with anyone before and your book also sounds wonderful!! Going to order one...take care.

Mar 31, 2011
Noel

Hi Leslie, thanks for the add! I just love your artwork and am completely thrilled to see that you wrote a book especially for females (our experience is a very specific one, I think). It's so great to meet people like you on this site. :)

Apr 4, 2011
Aunt Janet

Hi, thanks for welcoming me here to AW. I am recently diagnosed and still learning lots about this illness/disease. I am excited about ordering your book and learning about others like me. Thanks!

Apr 11, 2011
TONYA HATCHEL

thank u so much. i ordered the school pack and also was there when it was shown to the third graders. they did wonderful and was very attentive. i got to answer questions and they were concerned and asked some good ones. so far no one else has teased him. im praying they wont, now that they understand. thanks for the advice :)

Apr 15, 2011
Jessica

Thanks for your welcome message. Your book looks very interesting. I will be sure to check it out!

Apr 30, 2011
Susana Montalvo

Hi LeslieAnn:
I am very greatful to you to be welcomed on to this website. I have had AU for more than 30 years. I had never looked into support groups or websites in spite of all the persistance that my best friend has always had in my doing so. I have a big family and wonderful friends that have supported me without the "pitty look" or "feeling sorry" for me. I have been blessed with a profession in which I help others (I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor). I have yet to be blessed with a husband or children, but have faith that I will not stay alone. I choose not to wear a wig, but that has been since I was diagnosed. I was more afraid of having the wig fall off or be pulled off by another kid's prank in school, than all the stares, questions, jokes and laughter. That's a little bit about me.
I am very interested in your book and will be sure to order a copy. I am amazed at how many of us Alopecians there are; all beautiful of course.
I thank you, again for your welcome, I hope to continue chatting with you soon.
Susy

May 3, 2011
Becstrac

Thanks Leslie Ann!

I dont get chance to check the internet too often so I am sorry for not replying until now!
This site is providing me with a huge sense of relief, I can't believe I didn't find it sooner.

I have a wedding coming up at the end of July and I am bridesmaid...I cannot believe that for the first time a massive patch has started appearing right on the top of my head! I can just about cover it for now but of course am wondering what to do for the wedding. I think my 2 options are 1) some sort of head piece (but I would need approval from the bride!) or 2) shave the head and get a wig. I wore a synthetic wig for about 2 years during high school and the experience was totally 100% negative...can you offer some suggestions?

I just noticed that you have a book! I am going to try and order a copy today :)

Thanks for your message,

Bec

May 24, 2011
CeliaGee

Hello LeslieAnn!

Today was a good day. I summoned the courage to do something I had been putting off for 9 months. I really enjoyed your jubilation painting. I will try to get a copy of your book to read also. Thank you for shining your light.

May 26, 2011
Hannah

Hi LeslieAnn!

Thanks for the welcome! I was reading your profile, and I am definitely going to have to check out your book!

Jun 9, 2011
C

Hi LeslieAnn. I'm doing well, thank you. I read your book, it was great. It made me feel better. Thank you

Jun 13, 2011
Lynn

Hi LeslieAnn,

I'm doin' well. I must admit, my having a bad day is what caused me to find this site. I had AA for about a year - it was fierce and aggressive, quickly becoming AU. I'm still coming to terms with it . . . I must admit finding this site gives me some relief as I am able to find solutions to what I thought were unique problems.

I'm excited to see that you have a book. I plan to get it ASAP!

Thank you for reaching out to me!

Jun 13, 2011
Cindel

Hello LeslieAnn! I'm doing wonderful today. Thank you for the welcome! I can't wait to read your book. I just ordered it today. I will let you know when I start reading it :)

Have a wonderful day!
Cindel

Jun 14, 2011
Ruth E

Thank you for your welcome Leslie Ann. Your book sounds interesting and helpful - will certainly get a copy.
Ruth E

Jul 2, 2011
Hana Bunny Catsumi

Hi Leslie Ann and thanks for the welcome. It was good to see you and your beautiful furry kids. I'm going to look for your book online and hope to read it soon. Thanks for being an inspiration and such a positive person. I wish all the best to you and yours. Take care.

Jul 16, 2011
Hana Bunny Catsumi

I'll be sure to let you know once I've gotten your book. I tried to see you on the TV spot you were on, but couldn't find it. When did it air? Thanks for being so nice Leslie Ann.

Jul 16, 2011
Ericka

Hi Leslie Ann:

Thanks for the encouraging words. The title of your books bold and daring. I will be sure to put it on my list to read as I continue to transition during this stage in my life.

Jul 16, 2011
Beth M

Hello Leslie Ann! I am fine today--thanks for asking. I am really looking forward to taking a look at your book. It looks terrific! Take care, Beth

Jul 17, 2011
jean

HI LESLIE ANN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR WELCOME. I HAVE TWO SISTERS THAT LIVE IN PORTLAND OREGON. I WANT TO READ YOUR BOOK, IT SOUNDS SO INTRESTING AND INSPIRING. CONGRADS WITH YOUR BOOK. STAY BEAUTIFUL
JEAN

Jul 17, 2011
koalagirl72

Hi. Thanks for the welcome to this wonderful site. I am already encouraged and know that when I read your book I will feel even better. I hope you are having a wonderful summer. God Bless! kendra

Jul 17, 2011
Michelle

Hi LeslieAnn,
I am feeling truely blessed today. I'm healthy and I have a beautiful husband and family. I see you have a book out. I will be sure to check it out right away. Looking forward to reading your creation.
Michelle

Jul 19, 2011
ERB3

Hi Leslie,
Thanks for the welcome! I am feeling better this week (thanks to no more prednisone - the crazy drug!) I am going to look at hair pieces tomorrow with my mother. A little apprehensive about it. I am definitely excited to read your book. Thanks again, Elana

Jul 20, 2011
Nancy King

I've always had long hair too. I think that's why i'm so fascinated with my own head now, lol. I can feel every little bump or lump, so peculiar. I plan to get a copy of your book. The more i inundate myself with information and support, the easier things are getting. I think the fact that i'm older is helpful somehow. If i was younger and trying to fit in somewhere, i don't think i'd handle things the same. Well, i DIDN'T handle things the same. It's funny, when i was a teenager i thought that older people were so rigid and lived life with blinders on. Now that i'm one of the older people, i can see that as a teen, I WAS THE ONE who was like that. Life's a lesson.

Jul 27, 2011
Andrea Klimaszewski

Wow Leslie, I must say your pictures are absolutely gorgeous. This is my first time spending any amount of time on this site because I noticed a comment popped up from you that just said hello, how are you, and for some reason it just caught my eye. I have had aa for only a little over a year so I'm still in the "grieving" process of it. Some days good, some days bad. I have universalis. But I have learned a good wig goes a long way and being pretty good at doing hair makes it look as natural as my own hair. I'm very interested in reading your book and am determined to use this unfortunate disease as a positive to one day teach and inspire people as I think you probably have with your book. Again, WOW, you are very beautiful!

Jul 29, 2011
Cindie

Hanging in there...if that is a hairpiece you are wearing, it is stunning! Most definitely need your book in my life!

Jul 30, 2011
Susan Innes

Hello LeslieAnn,

Thanks for the welcome.

Could we have met at a NAAF conference? You look very familiar and I recall your home of Portland, Oregon, where a cousin lives. I remember your NAAF poster which a good AU friend had purchased at one of the conferences; he, sadly, just died last month at the young age of 56.

You're definitely more advanced in the painting area; I had stopped doing artwork for about 40 years and then my husband became very ill and instead of a caretaker support group, I joined a senior weekly painting group here in Waunakee; they have been incredible, even helping me outside of the weekly meetings; my husband died in April.

I'm not too adept at computers and have much to learn about this group; but, as far as the AU, it's been a long time without hair and any adjustments to the loss are now history. I miss my husband, not the hair. Selling the ACEO artwork on eBay helps with the daily slumps and gives me a goal.

Anyway, I commend you on your success with the book and other projects and hope you can continue to enable others to achieve their goals. Many thanks for all of your endeavors.

Jul 30, 2011
Sue

Hi Leslie, thanks for welcoming me it is good to be in touch with other people who have alopecia. I have just been interviewed for our local radio and had my picture in the local paper this week, regarding alopecia. This was a massive step for me as I think this illness has the tendency to make you introvert if you allow it too. Your book sounds really interesting so will purchase a copy in the near future.

Aug 6, 2011
Rodeli

Thank you for the welcome! I'm so happy to be on this website and also looking forward to reading your book!

Aug 6, 2011
Tijuanna Schumpert

I got your book! I'm excited :)!

Aug 21, 2011
Mickie

I'm OK, thanks you. Your book looks interesting. You look gorgeous!

Aug 22, 2011
Cindy

Hi Leslie,

Thanks for the welcome. Im good thanks. I cant wait to read your book , Im going to order it just now. Lovely photos.

Cindy.

Aug 25, 2011
FANCY1024

Congratulations on your book lesley! I'm looking forward to reading it.. It really sounds great! Di

Aug 25, 2011
TerriT

Hello, and thank you for welcoming me into the community! My niece is doing well, and I'm glad to have found a place to find out more and share with others. Your book sounds great - looking forward to reading it!

Aug 27, 2011
mieke

Hello Leslie Ann, thanks for your welcome! I'm fine and happy to find this site with a lot of informatian and experience with alopecia.
I'm interested in your book; you think it will be out in the Netherlands also?
all the best to you, Mieke

Aug 28, 2011
Jimmy/I See Stars/Sister

My brother is doing amazing thank you for asking. He has just recently started talking about his alopecia openly. You can read his blog here. http://jimmyjuiceboxx.tumblr.com/ so proud of him. It took awhile but I would say he is doing just as your book says he is still dancing! = )

Aug 31, 2011
Jenn

Ok, thanks for asking. I appreciate your concern. I will definitely be checking out your book.

Sep 21, 2011
sangprem

Thanks My daughter is going great. She is very happy to have AA..says she does not want any hair. I am hoping that she stays happy.

Sep 21, 2011
Amy

Hi LeslieAnn! Thank you! I read your profile and I need to get your book. I also looked at your pictures and you are so beautiful! I love your hair! I hope this hair loss gets easier over time. I can't believe how difficult this is!
Amy

Sep 22, 2011
Mindy

Thanks LeslieAnn! I'm going to check out your book! Good for you!

Sep 23, 2011
クソガキ

I'd love to have that book. i want to read and be inspired by your stories and how to cope with AU.

Sep 24, 2011
Meaghan

Thanks for the welcome! Glad to know people here are so friendly. Looking into getting your book, definitely would help me to feel connected to others going through the same things I am. Thanks again!

Sep 29, 2011

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