Being the mother of a young girl with Alopecia Universalis, I have had unique experiences, both positive and otherwise, that have shown me how different life will be for her. Her strength and courage surpasses even the bravest of soldiers.

Each and every day she must venture into a world where she is seen as different, with head held high and emotions in check. She shows no weakness, even in situations where she is tormented by the cruel or questioned by the insensitive. She accepts her fate but wishes for a normal existence.

Her life has not always been so challenging. This is her third episode. At 5, and again at 8, she lost and then regrew her hair. Then at 11, as her body began to mature, alopecia again took her hair but this time, it took it all. No treatment would take and we tried them all, including a visit to a doctor at a local hospital. It has taken over 2 ? years to realize that hope has all but disappeared and acceptance was needed.

Six months of counseling is beginning to show positive effects. I can only hope that she can come to know that what is truly important is to be able to live a happy life and that she has been given an opportunity to show the world that physical differences are unimportant. The first step is to regain her self-esteem and I know that this wig will be an important part.

I thank you for your generosity and hope you know that you are making a young girl’s life easier. You give her more than a wig. You are showing her that compassion and understanding can and do make the world a better place.

Sincerely,

Mary (Rose’s mom)

P.S. Please share this letter with all involved.