ABOUT
ALOPECIA
Alopecia
Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, and may be brought on by severe stress.
The main symptom is hair loss.
Treatment may address any underlying conditions and includes topical scalp medications.
“Throughout my life my hair was important to me. I found it to be a substantial part of my identity and how I looked as a person. Later, I did realize that hair on the outside is not what truly makes a person. What actually counts is the being inside of the person.
In the Summer of 2017, I was diagnosed with alopecia. It started as a small patch of missing hari on the top of my head. It then became progressively worse. My confidence started to deteriorate. Thankfully I had the support of my friends and family to cope with my condition. My Dad & my hockey coach actually shaved their heads and my grandpa was there to support and he hasn’t had hair in years! My hair loss was so random, I finally had to shave all of my remaining hair. Fortunately, nothing really changed……everyone still knew that I was the same kind-hearted person they’ve always known.
Although it was tough, I kept a smile on my face. I asked myself, “Why Me?” I visited many doctors to help aid with my condition. I first visited a dermatologist. I was given steroid injections in my head to lower the inflammation (little progress). Later I went to Boston and was given an expensive medicine called Xeljanz which is normally used for rheumatoid arthritis.
I did experience some hair growth but this medicine lowers your immune system so long term use was a concern. So in order to keep the hair, I’d have to keep taking the medicine. I also tried a gluten free diet for a month and I did see some hair growth but it was uneven and patchy. I now find myself with a doctor in DC where I am taking injections of Dupixent which is a asthma drug. I am also trying gluten free at the same time.
One things is for sure – I am still the same guy and I am lucky to have so much support. Unfortunately there are over 600,000 persons in the United States with this condition and many are children like me. Many of these children are emotionally grieving and do not have the support nor the funds to get treatment, medicine, wigs to help this condition. Whether it be financially or emotionally, I want to help. I am setting up a non-profit to help as many boys & girls as I can with this disease.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide economic and emotional support for those who have alopecia. Your contributions will help provide medicine & wigs for young children with alopecia. Support is a substantial part of the non-profit and your efforts will greatly benefit those in need.
