On Sept. 27, Strides of Support takes places at Adams Park, in support of The Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation
I’ve had long hair my entire life and always enjoyed getting my hair done and visiting the hairdresser. In March 2021, I noticed a small bald patch that I initially didn’t think much of. It quickly became clear that something more was happening, and within a matter of weeks, I lost all my hair.
The hair loss progressed even further to losing my eyelashes, eyebrows, and all the hair on my body. Much later, I would learn I was suffering from an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata.
Getting a diagnosis was a lengthy and frustrating process. As my hair continued to fall out, I spent over seven months waiting to see a dermatologist while not knowing why it was happening.
The uncertainty was challenging, and the rapid hair loss also took a psychological toll, affecting my confidence and how I felt about my appearance. This was one of the most difficult and challenging points in my life.
I couldn’t get appropriate treatment or answers. I withdrew socially, only leaving my house when absolutely necessary. I had certainly lost all self-confidence and worth, I also felt like I had lost my identity. All my thoughts were consumed on how to hide my hair loss or how to avoid any interactions with others.
Alopecia areata is so much more than losing your hair.
During this time, I found CANAAF (The Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation). This helped me tremendously by connecting me with others who have personally experienced alopecia areata.
CANAAF, a volunteer-led registered Canadian charity, offered me support groups, a mentorship program, access to information, and in-person events. CANAAF was truly a lifesaver during the most difficult time of my life.
Having the opportunity to connect with others who understand the experience can help reduce that sense of isolation and remind people living with alopecia areata that they are not alone.
There is presently no cure for alopecia areata. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be on a medication that has allowed my hair to regrow. Alopecia areata affects an estimated 775,000 Canadians at some point in their lives. It can develop in anyone of any age, gender, or racial background.
As a lifelong Scarborough resident, I have always valued the sense of community that exists right here in our neighbourhood. Living with alopecia areata has given me an even greater appreciation for the importance of connection and support. What began as a very personal journey with an unpredictable disease has inspired me to give back by hosting a fundraiser and awareness walk in partnership with CANAAF, bringing residents together to learn more about alopecia areata and support those who live with it.
Strides of Support is the annual awareness and fundraising walk hosted by CANAAF. This year, there will be an official walk site in Scarborough. Taking place on Sunday, September 27th at 10AM. The walk will take place in Scarborough’s Adams Park, 2 Rozell Rd.
Help us raise critical funds for support programs, advocacy efforts, and educational initiatives, while also increasing visibility and understanding of this often misunderstood condition.
Whether you’re walking to support a loved one, raise awareness, or share your own journey, every step helps break stigma and build community. Everyone is welcome!
Register for the fundraising walk here: https://linktr.ee/fundraising61
And email CANAAF with any questions or for more information: info@canaaf.org
PICTURES – can be shown four in a row to tell a story:
Late 2020 – My last trip to the hairdresser before the alopecia areata diagnosis.
Spring 2021 – A bald patch I discovered behind my ear. From there, my hair fell out rapidly and I was bald in a few weeks’ time. It was agony to wash or brush my hair during this time, as fistfuls would fall out at a time.
A picture showing total hair loss, including the loss of my eyebrows and eyelashes. During this time, I used many products to try and mask my hair loss such as false eyelashes and eyebrow temporary tattoos
Present day – continued success of hair growth with daily treatment, a medicine that I will have to be on forever. It is highly likely that all my hair would fall out again if medication was stopped.
This article is contributed by Jennifer Pittman
