Hi Mark - My family is from Brainerd, MN, which I'll be visiting in August. You'll see from my profile that I'm trying to track the alopecia with 2 uncles (AU in their late 40s) and other family members now afflicted. When were you first diagnosed and were you familiar with the disease when it occurred? Susan.

Hi Mark. Thanks for your comment. I truly believe people around us don't understand just how devastating it is for us to lose our hair. I feel that the emotional trauma is the same for men and women but I think the coping ability is easier for women since we have so many resources. Women have so many discovering choices. Wigs, scarves, hats. We also have lots of cosmetic options for drawing on brows and lining the eyelids. Becoming a member on Alopecia World is my first steps of finally accepting AU. I think the support will be good for my soul. Best of wishes.