One of the Sweetest Letters I Have Ever Received

Dear Michael & Staff,

Thank you for all you have done for me. You not only encouraged and welcomed me to a positive and friendly environment, but gave me the confidence to feel beautiful in a wig. I guess you see it every day, but it is truly amazing when someone who has alopecia gets to walk out of the room with a fullhead of beautiful hair. I like always believe that its what’s inside that counts, and that beauty is skin deep, but it gives me such a wonderful feeling to look in the mirror and see myself with a full head of hair. I’m not going to lie, it seems like having alopecia gets harder and harder to handle by the day. I’m 13 now, and even if I don’t think hair is really a big deal for teenage girls, society does. I didn’t realize how much hair I had last year until I actually accepted the fact that I am losing a lot of hair. I’ve always found it so unfair to have alopecia, but over the past few months I realized why I never really thought about it. Its because I never saw my own hair coming out in extremely unnatural amounts, every time I look down. Here I am, trying to stay positive and telling myself my hair will grow back, but its all just so disappointing and discouraging. It’s heartbreaking for someone like me who tries to be positive about everything. Anyways, the point of this letter was not to complain about having alopecia, but to let you know how truly appreciated your wig is.

My Mom said it, my Dad would say it, and I will say it. We are always ready to give anything for my hair to grow back, and we have tried a lot. I appreciate that the wig is a lot less painful than acupuncture that doesn’t even work! ): but the fact that the wig is for free, and I think that I speak for many children when I say this, is so heart warming and amazing. We are all so grateful for such a wonderful program and such wonderful people who are willing to do something like it.

Thank you, to everyone. For creating a welcoming environment, for encouraging me and for working your magic. The wig looks so natural and I still do a double-take when I see it on my head, for two reasons. One: That it looks so natural and beautiful, but two,: That I was fortunate enough to have this wig. You’ve all also given me a new kind of confidence. I’ve only worn the wig about 4 or 5 times, but I do plan on wearing it even more. I was recently confirmed, and I proudly wore my wig. I thought of all of you as I knew you were all there supporting me! Thank you again, and I really hope you realize how happy you have made me.

P.S. please share this letter with the rest of your staff at Continental so they also know how much of a difference they have made in my life.

Sincerely,

H.L.

Her Mother wrote me a card that came with the letter:

Dear Friends at Continental,

Thank you so very much for the kindness and compassion and generosity you have shown towards my daughter. As she has expressed so eloquently in her letter to you, she struggles daily coping with her alopecia areata. (Pretty tough for a 13 year old).

Your warmth and understanding has helped us both to deal with our feelings. We really appreciate all that you have done for us and would like to express our deepest gratitude.

Sincerely, C.L.