Comment by Bald and Fabulous AKA Terri on May 31, 2011 at 11:53am

First as an alopecian, I have come to a point in my journey that I no longer think of alopecia as a curse, but as a something that makes us unique. I live in Edmonton, Alberta and I welcome you and your granddaughter to connect with me. Im actually looking at creating an awareness event in edmonton, for alopecians, family and friends to gather and show support and bring awareness to the public of this confusing and unmentioned disease. As you said "strength in numbers"

Comment by Lisa Santer on June 1, 2011 at 5:44am

Like Terri, I don't think of my alopecia as a curse. It's just a fact of my life. From all I've read, people with alopecia areata (of whatever extent) probably have a genetic predisposition to the condition, and something unknown triggers it. I think people want to blame something, and stress is an easy target. After all, everyone's stressed some of the time, and when your hair falls out you're probably pretty stressed. Personally, in the 33 years I've had this condition, my more stressful times were associated with more hair not less.

I also found my life got better when I stopped looking for a cure and resumed looking to live a great, full life. That took time, looking at medical info to see there really isn't great treatment & no cure, and loving support from friends and family who helped me see that what's on my head isn't anywhere near as important as what's in it. Your granddaughter is lucky to have a grandmother so concerned about her. Please keep loving her up, and support her emotionally as well as physically.

Comment by jackie ronning on June 4, 2011 at 9:13am

Hi, I am a fifth grade teacher, so I understand kids. I also understand Alopecia, because I have Alopecia Areata, now in my 4th episode. This one has cause me more heartache and stress, so I understand your granddaughter's feelings. One thing that might help her is to make an awareness campaign in her school. I know that kids respond and show empathy when they understand what is going on. I try to be very inclusive with all student issues, and find that it works very well. Talk to your granddaughter's parents and see if they can approach the dean (or principal) to address it. At the very least it should be done in her classroom so she will be comfortable.

Comment by grandma concerns on June 4, 2011 at 11:52am

I love everyone's suggestions and they all are wonderful, it would be great if the parents got together for the sake oft the daughter's health but right now our daughter (her mom) is fighting a bout of manic depression herself... and in the meanwhile she has to be careful that her 7 yr old (who is reverting backwards as the attentions she deserves. It is nothing short of a miracle that needs to happen, which I know and have witnessed can happen... so thank you for everyone's prayers.... only those who are going through alopecia and their loved ones too know how important a site like this is so we can voice and get answers to our concerns

Comment by Jessica Hoschouer on October 8, 2013 at 9:05pm

Curse? More like a trial to strengthen her. Why take treatments for alopecia I never really have, I am thirteen years old and I embrace my bald!!!

Comment