Comment by JeffreySF on March 4, 2009 at 7:36pm

I had a pretty disturbing day yesterday on Alopecia World as did several others. Hence some negative emotions. But It had nothing to do with NAAF. I'm not my 100% jovial self just yet but I'm right about there.

Anyway, the quote about NAAF Conferences was "Completely and totally over-rated. Just look at the conference brochure. What you see is what you get and theres no content there. Take that money and buy a fabulous wig or gorgeous outfit you'll enjoy for a long time. Meeting others with alopecia? Plenty of other ways to do that...Just contact me"

So, sure everyone has their opinion. Thats their right. So here's my opinion of a NAAF Conference.
Completely and totally worth it. The sessions and events are well planned out with something for everyone.
From Kids Camp and dinners to support sessions and dancing. Even a Baseball Game. And then there's the real bonding time after the NAAF lights go out.
Yes it can be a little expensive but again for me totally worth it.
Last year was my first year with alopecia. Last year was my first NAAF Conference. Well let me tell you I will never forget the feelings of welcoming, acceptance, pride and joy that I recieved from attending. Those memories will last me a lifetime. I plan on attending every year forever and ever.

Also of note, Who was the first real alopecian I ever met face to face? Cheryl Carvery thats who. Right in the Hoel Lobby. She was with RJ and Roger from Sweeden. We all hugged and went out and met a bunch of other people with and without alopecia.

Alopecia World was born Mar 7th 2008 just a couple months before the conference so I was getting to know some people in this wonderful place. When I was with 600-800 people in the same hotel, restaurant, bar, or wherever I was not alone. I was with others like myself and there is no other feeling like it.

Thank you Cheryl and RJ for providing this wonderful place. I'm here everyday catching up with friends and making new ones. Supporting those in need or joining in on an impromtu chat. Involving myself in discussions or writing about my life.

I thank Alopecia World and NAAF for being the person I am today. And of course Leo too

Jeffrey

Comment by Diane on March 5, 2009 at 9:19am

Bonjour à tous!
Dear all:

Last year, I went to my 1st NAAF Conference.... wrote a little blog about it.... Here it is again... what more to say?

Voilà.

Love,
Diane
**************************


Louisville, Kentucky. For the majority of people, this just an other city in the US. For me, this city is the place where, for the first time, I had the feeling of belonging to the majority. For the very first time of my life, my alopecia did not excluded but included me in a group. Marvellous feeling! I even forget I was bald and for the first time in 6 years, I walk around without any head cover!!

I succeeded in looking at me in the miroire and putting make-up without finding me ugly, without being angry at me, without this feeling of aggressivity towards my body. I've put my make up being proud of me, of my head, and of my scattered hairs.

I was able to find in me, thanks to this conference, enough empathy to accept myself. I know that my negative feelings will return. A mourning is never completely finished. However, I am certain, that these feelings will never return as strong as they were and with time, their visit will space more and more.

Thank to all of those which were present at Louisville. We might not have formally meet each other but you have given me the nicest gift ever!

Comment by Steve on March 23, 2009 at 2:17pm

Hi Jennifer how are you?, I have been considering attending the conference this year but i have been a little uncertain, i read the above comments and it sounds like it would be a great weekend! I am 32 and single and would be traveling from calgary alberta by myself

Comment by brian kirchman on March 27, 2009 at 4:42am

im with jeff last year was my first year with AU or year and a half luck me i found this site pretty soon after that when it first got started think i was like the 11th member. i did not get to go to confrence do to work and regret it so much. not beacuse i wanted to learn more about alopecia beacuse really whats to know not much. and not to atend med meetings about treatment beacuse well there trying to treat symptoms and not the disaese and that never really does much. not beacuse they dont want to but beacuse they dont know exactly what why and all that.

i have no intention of trying any medications or shots or steroids that can have worse side efects than not haveing hair. i have come to terms with my bald little self and am in a good place. i want to go for all the amazing people who know what i know and live what i live everyday. ikm going to have fun and play and make lasting friend ships and maybe there is some one there who is not handling it as well as me maybe they could draw strenth from my experience or just talk to some one who understands.

i dont need a confrence jam packed with activitys just friends. and im really crossing my fingers that it works out this year. if not im going anyway and just hanging out in the lobby. lol

Comment by Alex on July 1, 2009 at 2:58am

Conference is the best 4 days of my year. I have no problems with my alopecia...but being around such strong amazing beautiful people is indescribable. It is not something to miss out on. Being around that many wonderful people is something everyone should experience. I have made several life long friends because of conference and have two older sisters who are absolutely incredible! Being and 18 year old girl with alopecia and having 30 women to look up to with alopecia is something i am thankful for every day. Conference is worth it, don't take my word for it...go and make your mind up for yourself.To not be the odd one out and look like everyone else is a rarity for me, but at conference i look like everyone else and they all know exactly how i feel! The worst part...the end!

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