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Natalie
- 38, Female
- Arlington, VA
- United States
- Blog Posts (10)
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Natalie's Page
Profile Information
- Relationship Status:
- Married
- About Me:
- Hi my name is Natalie! I am 31 years-old and work for a non-profit organization in downtown Washington, DC. My professional and personal goals in life are to make the world a better place for others!
I've had alopecia since I was 14; for the first five or six years I would only lose one or two small patches at a time and they would grow back themselves within a few months. As I got older, more hair started falling out. I have tried everything from monthly cortisone injections to oral steroids to steroid creams and ointments. I also received Reiki therapy for two years. Reiki is an ancient Asian form of healing that helps one to channel their own energy for the positive; it essentially aids one in healing themselves and growing. Although it didn't help my hair grow back, it certainly helped me deal with stress and brought me to the realization that I hold the key to success in my own life. Anyways, around Jan. 09, my hair began falling out to the point where I had an extremely difficult time hiding it anymore. After much thought, many tears, and years of varying treatments, I decided to shave it all off! It was amazingly liberating and has been the best thing that I have done so far in this crazy alopecia journey of mine. I feel like healthy, happy, lively ME again! I just got my second Freedom vacuum wig and am couldn't be happier! It is insanely comfortable and the hair is extremely high-quality. Additionally, I have lots of fun with my bald head and the many options I now have (bald head, wig, scarf, hat, bandana!)
My favorite things to do are: reading, canoeing, running, riding my bike, cooking, shopping, or camping. I have been running since high school, and it is has become my main source of "therapy." Running has always been the best way for me to find my inner strength and keep smiling. In a world where we often find ourselves not in control (such as having alopecia), running is something that I do have control over, and it makes me feel both physically and mentally strong. I have completed 6 half marathons and one full marathon and can't wait to begin training for another one!
And last, but not least, I have an amazing family who has been supportive from day one as well as a great group of friends. My husband is also amazingly supportive and is such a rock in my life. He never fails to make me laugh, and he always tells me how beautiful I am- with or without hair. This is a great website for support; I am so happy to have found it! Feel free to ask me any questions regarding alopecia or life in general :)
- Do you have alopecia?
- Alopecia universalis
- Are you age 18 or older?
- Yes - I am 18 or older
Natalie's Photos
Natalie's Blog
Permanent eyebrows
Posted on June 20, 2011 at 9:00am 9 Comments 1 Like
It's been awhile since I've been on AW! I just wanted to pop in and let y'all know that I finally got my eyebrows permanently tattooed on this weekend! I lost my eyebrows and eyelashes in the Fall of 2009, and since then I've been drawing my eyebrows in using a combination of products. I actually never really minded drawing them in; after a few months, I got the hang of it and could draw them both on in under a minute! But I live in Washington, DC, and the summers here are… Continue
1 Year Bald Anniversary!
Posted on April 26, 2010 at 2:30pm 10 Comments 0 Likes
Yesterday (4/25) was my 1 year bald anniversary! I shaved my head one year ago and life has only gotten better from there on :) It's feels like a kind of a birthday for me, because it shaving my hair off and starting fresh was the first time I felt like the "real me" since I had gotten alopecia in 2001. Many of you may know what I mean about what a positive life-changing event the "Big Shave" can bring about. For those of you who are still struggling with the decision of… Continue
Bald Model!
Posted on March 29, 2010 at 5:49pm 4 Comments 2 Likes
My First Marathon = 26.2 miles!
Posted on March 2, 2010 at 2:57pm 6 Comments 0 Likes
I’m alive! I successfully completed my first full marathon this weekend at the Rock ‘n Roll Mardis Gras Marathon in New Orleans this past Sunday with my Dad. We had beautiful weather (sunny and in the 50s), and there were over 15,000 runners! I was so nervous the week leading up to my race, but on race day I was surprisingly focused and calm. There were about 15 corrals of runners that were started in waves so that there wasn’t a stampede. My goal time was 20 minutes longer than my Dad’s, so…
ContinueMuch to be Grateful for on Thanksgiving
Posted on November 24, 2009 at 5:30pm 3 Comments 0 Likes
-an amazing family that has supported me this year through my hair loss, my college graduation, and my move across the country. They have been there for me from day one, have always believed in me, and have taught me the skills and values it takes to be a kind,… Continue
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You're so beautiful Natalie! Your page made me smile so much. It made me see that the day I lose all my hair, I can live a normal life <3 Can you pull you freedom wig without it coming off? Have you tried roller coasters? :] xo
Natalie thank you so much for your message and your helpful links and information. I really appreciate it! I'm going to contact them as soon as possible.
It was great to meet you too! Kiah was so excited that you are working for a congressman. I think you gave her a little inspiration... and she really liked your wig! Hope to meet your mom at our event and maybe we also hope you will be able to make it to one some time!
Natalie, I had my eyebrows and eyeliner done at the Permanent Makeup Clinic on Monday. The eyebrows did not hurt. The eyeliner sort of hurt, it was more nerve-wracking and had I known I would have taken a sedative first! But I LOVE the results, even though they are still healing. It is a night and day difference waking up to a non-blank face every day! LOVE IT! Thanks for the referral! Amy
Thanks again for your suggestion of Permanent Makeup Clinic -- Randomly they are having a deal on one of the Groupon-like things in DC -- Bloomspot. It's available for purchase until Saturday. Here's the link! http://www.bloomspot.com/washington-dc/permanent-makeup-clinic/.
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