Nerves and excitement consumed me the days leading up to finally boarding a plane from Detroit to L.A. I knew I was going to finally meet people who have Alopecia, I had no idea how amazing this was going to be... I arrived there a day and a half prior to the conference starting so I could do some sight seeing.. yes.. I am a typical tourist.. My husband and I had a blast touring the walk of fame.. sunset.. the pier.. the observatory... totally different world from Detroit. The day came to check in to the Hyatt. I was full of emotion as I was not prepared for what was going to happen, I have never really been around anyone like me, other than miss Kassie who went to my benefit. Within the first 10 minutes I was there, a little girl named Maria, ran up to me.. hugged me.. and called me family. I lost it, completely lost it, her mom asked if I was ok.. I told her I will be. I went outside to compose myself. It hit me then what this really is about. The kids. I was blown away by her strength. In awe. The first hour or two of me walking around the hotel, seeing all my lovely baldies, all I did was cry. This was crazy. It was 10 in the morning and I was soo stricken with emotion I already wanted a beer, I denied myself that and decided to mingle. It started getting easier as I noticed we were pretty much running this hotel.



That first day set the tone for the whole convention, I was among family. We didn't really have any commitments that day so, as I spotted a bald or balding head, I introduced myself. I couldn't believe how many of us there were. My whole life I thought I was alone, to see so many people like me in one place, overwhelming.. but awesome. I did end up getting a few drinks to ease my emotional nerves, I wasn't the only one. I ended up hanging out with the most amazing people I have ever met, strong, beautiful, funny.. and you know what? We barely even talked about our Alopecia. We got to know eachother. Alopecia may be what we have, but it's not who we are. We are however, family. We had an instant bond, one that cannot be broken, one that I will cherish forever.

The next morning we had an opening session. I had no idea how emotional this was going to be, I had a chance to hear other people's stories and see how strong they are, all I did was cry. To be in a banquet room surrounded by Alopecians, for the first time in my life... surreal. I had no idea how hard this was going to hit me, but I needed this. Everyone there was full of nothing but love and acceptance. I almost felt like I was the only one crying, everyone else was smiling, and this just shows their strength. Maybe that's why I teared up, happy for how strong we all are, or sad that I didn't have the same kind of support system they all had. I had my family and friends, but never knew anyone like me. After composing myself yet again, we all spread out around the hotel and I ended up at the pool. Which brings me back to the kids..

As I lay out in the sun with spf 50 on my head, I notice a group of little bald headed kids coming to swim. I again am in awe of their strength and freedom to be a kid and enjoy yourself. I had to take pictures, they were so freakin cute I wanted to eat em all, and they were happy. Again this is what this is about, yes it's good for me to be around my own kind, but to see the kids so happy when all I wanted to do was run into traffic was something words cannot describe. I was proud. I am so happy they have the National Alopecia Areata Foundation for support, as I didn't even find out about the organization until like a year ago.. and I am beyond grateful that I've found it, for it has opened the door for me to connect with everyone and share our stories of struggle and strength.

To say that I have met the most amazing people in the world is an understatement. I attended a "women and alopecia" support group, the best thing I could have done. I was in a room surrounded by the most beautiful, intelligent, strongest women there are.. I had a chance to hear everyone's story, name, age, how long they've had Alopecia.. what type of Alopecia.. whether they are comfortable or not wearing a wig or going bald out. In that session I tried to help a few who were still ashamed and not ready to accept the disease, my heart ached for I have reached the point of not caring what anyone else thought and I wanted them to be there with me.. it broke my heart to hear their pain. I was in that positiion before. There was nothing but love in that room, ages ranged from 20 to 83. Needless to say there was a big group picture and hugs at the end of the session.

The last night, us beautiful baldies were given an awesome dance party! Yes the beer in the hotel was rediculous so I bought some from the store and kept myself refilled by taking trips to my room, as did many of us.. but I was in a ballroom with at least 1000 Alopecians having the time of our lives... again.. ranging in ages from 4 to 83. I loved seeing all the little kids just shakin it having sooo much fun!! I found myself with Miss Delaware (Kayla Martell) and a beautiful little girl at the photo booth.. this girl just blew me away. She was just so strong and proud, I started crying... SHE tried to console ME!! What?? I am 34 and this girl who is all of about 8 was telling ME it's ok.... THIS IS WHAT THIS IS ABOUT!!! My heart is full and I have made so many new friends, (family) This truly was a healing process for me.. I cry but it's happy tears.. as Miss Delaware said to me... I had the time of my life.. and it changed my life.. and I will be back next year in D.C. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!