This Saturday while watching a bit of trashy reality tv, I was (surprisingly) reminded that September is Alopecia Awareness month when one of the cast members wore a hat that simply read What Is Alopecia? Although we’re well over halfway through the month, it was a reminder that it’s never too late to get involved and show support for the roughly 6.8 million Americans (147 million people worldwide) living with alopecia. As Alopecia Awareness Month comes to an end, let’s take a look at the ways we can continue to make an impact year round.
DONATE TIME
Sometimes knowing where to start can be difficult. A quick Google search of alopecia resources led me to the National Alopecia Awareness Foundation.
NAAF supports research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for alopecia areata, supports those with the disease, and educates the public about alopecia areata. National Alopecia Awareness Foundation
Their site was packed with educational info and resources. Here were a few ways they suggested getting involved with their work no matter where you are.
Conference Volunteers
NAAF is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers for our annual patient conference. We need people to facilitate support sessions, monitor doors, put up signs, guide people to the right places, and more. — Call the NAAF office or email info@naaf.org.
Telephone or Support Group Leader
NAAF has support groups all over the world. Though they have different sizes, average age and group specific objectives, they share a common mission; to provide individuals with alopecia areata, their families and their friends a safe, comfortable and trusting environment in which to share their personal experiences with this challenging disease.
There are lots of cities and towns across the country and around the world WITHOUT support groups. If you would like to learn more about what it means to be a telephone support contact or support group leader please contact laura@naaf.org.
DONATE RESOURCES
If you already have a support group and are looking for ways to offer more to the community, take a page from the Seattle-based Alopecia Support Group — The name says it all. The Seattle based community organization was founded by Jamie Elmore to provide visibility for people living with alopecia so they don’t have to navigate it alone. However, this isn’t your usual support group. They’ve taken a more fashion-forward approach by having in-house MUA, hair stylist, and fashion consultants; bringing artistry to hair loss solutions. Additionally, the group partners with Seattle Parks & Recreations, offering workshops in accessory techniques, makeup application classes and image consulting sessions for individuals and groups. Connecting with local beauty business might be a great way to build community and provide alopecia support in your area.
As many of us know, the cost of quality hair replacement solutions can be a hardship for some. Luckily there are some amazing organizations that you can contribute to, or partner with for fundraising support.
Wigs For Kids — For over 30 years, Wigs for Kids has been providing Hair Replacement Systems and support for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, Alopecia, Trichotillomania, burns and other medical issues at no cost to children or their families.
World Alopecia Community Inc. — If you have an idea for fundraising but are unsure of where to begin, the folks over at World Alopecia Inc. can help you sort it out. On their site is a list of things to help set up your own fundraising event or how to partner with World Alopecia Inc. Connect with them here and get started today.
These are just a few ways we can continue to support Alopecia Awareness. Here at at Prodigy Hair Studio our mission is simple: By offering the very best in hair loss replacement systems and hair loss solutions in the Pacific Northwest, we can transform the lives of our clients. Let us know how we can help you make a difference where you are; connect with us, we’d love to here from you!
https://youtu.be/XIRgHNmx8t0