Pay it forward. At least that’s what I’ve been taught. Never ask for anything personal in return for a gift given…it is just that, kindness with no expectation or desire for reward. Conversely, a gift or act of kindness received should be paid forward tenfold, not necessarily to the giver, but to another in a time of need.

We’ve all been there. The kindness of a stranger who retrieves a dropped glove, the person that holds a door open when your arms are full, the cashier that gives you a big smile when your day is in the dumper. Gifts don’t have to be large, flashy or expensive. The best gifts come from the heart. I thought about this the other day. I’ve received so many gifts that it will take my entire lifetime to pay forward all that I have received. That is as it should be.

I do what I can yet sometimes it doesn’t seem enough. Yesterday I stumbled onto something more substantial…the National Alopecia Areata Registry. I took the 5 minutes or so required to complete the Level I registration, basic information about myself with some family history. Within hours I had a call from a very pleasant young lady at the Registry. She asked if I’d be interested in participating in the next level. I agreed.

These folks are making the effort to understand alopecia. They want to help and they are. While I can’t make the trip to Columbia for the follow up, I can at least make the time to go to a local dermatologist for an assessment and a blood draw. Personally, alopecia is not at the top of my list of concerns. That said, I know that this is not the case for many. My only thoughts were about the young ones, and the not so young, who struggle with this daily, and the effects on themselves and their families. What if this was one of my own children? Would I not do whatever I could to help? It could be, it might be based upon the familial link which has already come to light. While not tied by blood, we are family by circumstance. Far be it from me to turn my back on family and walk away when I have the chance to help. It’s not my way.

The information package should arrive next week. I’ll make the time shortly thereafter to fulfill my pledge. I encourage each of you who have not already registered to do so by going to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation website (www.naaf.org) and clicking on the registry link. If not for yourself, to pay it forward for a gift of kindness you’ve received…