Comment by Pat on July 13, 2009 at 8:57pm

hi roslyn, let me start by saying you are beautiful! i can understand your fear. i just shaved my head almost a week ago. i know that you have to do it when you are ready and dont feel pressured about a date.the most important thing is that you have to be comfortable being who you are with or without your wig. if you decided not to go out without your wig you are not and will not be a failure. just think of all of the things you have overcome concerning hairloss and life in general. you have to do what is best for you and nobody else.i think that if anyone on this site decides not to go out bald on that day, just knowing that there is support from all of the alopecia community on here makes you apart of that day and makes a world of difference! we are all in this together!

Comment by Roslyn on July 13, 2009 at 9:14pm

Thank you for the motivation

Comment by Karen Froehner on July 13, 2009 at 11:12pm

Do what you fell most comfortable to do. All I can say is that when I first discovered I had Alopecia I never went out without my wig even in 100 degree temperature. Then God stepped in. I drove to the local mall. I stepped out of my car turned to lock the door when a gust of wind blew my wig out in a mall parking lot full of Saturday shoppers!!! There it was swirling and dipping in the air until it settled on top the bushes in front of the doors of the mall - it was quite a distance to walk in front of those people to grab it before the wind started up again. From that day forward I have held my head high and my shoulders back and strut my stuff with dignity. God Loves me. I am not dying. Praise God. i just don't have any hair.
Do you know how many women come to me and say I think I'm going to shave my head. It looks so cool! The men Love IT!! I was shocked by that!!! In fact my husband had to change his mind when a man approached me to say "What a Fine Woman You are!!!" when we were checking into the Marriott in Arizona on vacation.

Whether you do it or not just be proud of "Who You are" not by what you look like. Looks disappear through aging but your essence remains always.
Blessings, Karen

Comment by Monica Beasley-Martin on July 14, 2009 at 10:38am

I agree completely. I have been struggling with Alopecia for years. It was not, however, until a few yaears ago, that I got to the place where I could nolonger hide it. I started wearing wigs. When my godson was diagnosed with cancer 2007, and began to loose his shoulder length dreds, I received the inspiration I needed to shave my hair. As a substitute teacher I am sometimes the subject to cruel remarks by the children. I wrote a children's story about Alopecia that I often share to help educate them. I saw one little boy, who was in the class that had been teasing me, after school. He was explaining to his friends that, "Ms. Monica has alopecia. She's allergic to her hair." Another little boy who also has alopecia was so happy when he heard my story. Since I have done this I have received more positive comments than negative. But more important is that I feel good about myself. Hair does not define me. I pray that God gives you the strength to do it whenever it is right for you. Maybe you could do it in front of just a few people at first. Since I am a pastor I used the pulpit to come out. The sermon topic was "The Great Cover Up". I wrapped my head up. By the sermon's end I had uncovered my head. Despite my concerns about doing this, the people gave me nohing but love.

Comment by Mary on July 14, 2009 at 10:53am

Roslyn, PLEASE don't feel like a failure if you're not comfortable going out wigless on July 19. When I created the National Bald Out, it wasn't my intention to set a "deadline" that women had to meet. We're all at different places on this journey, and wherever YOU are is fine! Some women will never be comfortable going wigless, some will take longer than others to give it a try. That's okay! The NBO idea is just a way to get people thinking about all the options.

I hope there will be future National Bald Outs - it was always my intention that it become an annual event. This year, you'll be with us in spirit.

All the best,
Mary

Comment by Heather L on July 14, 2009 at 11:02am

Hey Roslyn,

It's not about success for failure - so erase that thought from your mind! :) It is about empowerment,awareness and support for each other. It is important for you be feel comfortable- this is
your journey with AA and what works for you-- works for you!! No right or wrong. No judgements. You
are beautiful either way- do what feels right for you.

Heather

Comment by Sally on July 14, 2009 at 11:07am

hi all. Im having so many issues with this right now, feeling like because i dont take it off (even in front of my bf of 10 months) i am hiding behind my wig and my true self. I understand to fully embrace myself and for me to be happier i need to take it off sometimes. but at the same time the day to day gets in the way and its just easier to keep going. but at the same time i know im allowed to feel girly and pretty and wear a wig. an amazing story karen about being at the mall when wind blew your wig off. but if someone came and pulled my wig off i dont know how i would react, as my alopecia isnt something i think about everyday, i guess it would destroy me. the thing is ive had alopecia since i was 4, im now 23, surely i should be used to this by now. xx

Comment by Monica Beasley-Martin on July 14, 2009 at 2:06pm

Hi Sally,
I so understand your feelings. It took me many years to develope the strength I needed to go out in public without a wig or some sort of covering. My son was a baby when I was first diagnosed. He has since graduated from college. Each of us is different. My mother has had this condition since I was a child and she would never be seen anywhere without a wig. You should do what works for you. And should you one day decide to venture out without it, know that you are not alone.

Comment by Tallgirl on July 14, 2009 at 10:33pm

Just do it, then, where you will still feel safe.

Comment by Sherry Washington on May 31, 2010 at 7:25pm

Hello Roslyn,

Girl you look good!!! Rock that style and forget what others think. You got a husband and a daughter who have accepted your new look. If you really want to take the scarves, hats and wigs off your head, let me tell you You just got to DO IT!! There will never be a perfect time or day to do it...Just DO IT!! And remember when you do you will get stares and people thinking you are sick, but who cares. I had sooo many people offering me support for cancer treatment. Funny huh....not really so I found a way to handle that as well. I will tell you a lie if I said I didn't miss my hair because I had it for forty years, but guess what??? I am still alive, healthy as a lark and not trying to be so conceited I LOOK GOOD!!! I have some down days, but I can tell you I am not hiding behind that Hooootttt wig. It's just too hot for me, but if it works for you then do you.

Roslyn, I noticed we are in the same city so if you want to get together so I can offer my support, I would be glad to do so. We can rock it together. Remember if it doesn't kill you, it have to make you stronger and do trust I got strength from nowhere. Besides you have all your limbs, right state of mind so your life could be worse....It's only hair. Oh BTW, India Aire cd helped me as well. Let me know if you would like to get together.

Many Blessings unto You,
Sherry

Comment

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page