Dear Saint Bridget Families, Faculty, and Staff,
I have been at Saint Bridget School for two years now. From the very first day I stepped foot in the building, everyone has made me feel welcome. I truly feel that I am a part of something very special here. Because of this, I am comfortable sharing something special with all of you.
About 4 years ago I came down with a condition called alopecia. It was difficult at first, but with the help of Jesus, my family, and friends, I have learned to accept and live with Alopecia.
Alopecia is a condition in which the body thinks that your hair does not belong and it fights it. It is similar to when your body fights a cold trying to get rid of the germs. Alopecia does not make you sick and you cannot catch it from someone else. The only thing that happens is you lose your hair. I have no hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows. Doctors have no idea what causes Alopecia and there is no cure. A person’s hair may or many not grow back.
There are many alternatives for people with Alopecia. Some people choose to wear wigs like I do. Others wear scarves, hats, or turbans. Sometimes I wear a scarf or hat around the house or in my yard. There are some people who choose not to cover their heads at all.
Some famous people with Alopecia are Patrick Stewart (Capt. Jean Luc Picard), Charlie Villanueva of the Detroit Pistons, and Kayla Martell – Miss Delaware.
One of the reasons that I am sharing my experience with you is that I want to be honest. Some of the students have been asking if I am wearing a wig because my hair always looks the same. I know that they are just curious. Another reason is that I just bought a new wig that looks very different from the one that I am wearing. It is a different color and it is longer. I am very excited about showing it off.
Thank you for your support!
Mrs. Azanow