Wherever you or your loved one is on their journey with alopecia, we are strongest when we come together as a community to support each other, and to advance research for treatments and ultimately a cure. 2023 is full of achievements all possible thanks to the support of friends like you: the second of two FDA-approved treatments, a revitalized patient conference, a new and improved website at naaf.org, the frequently viewed “You Are Not Alone Education and Empowerment” webinar series, and the inaugural Walk For Alopecia, just to name a few. Please consider a year-end gift to continue this important work. Together, we can empower a better future for all those living with alopecia areata.

Read the rest of this article and the full issue of the November 2023 E-news here>>>

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Team Borisoff, the top fundraising team nationwide, officially starts the Walk For Alopecia in San Francisco.

Excitement started building with the nationwide announcement in May to the Walk For Alopecia kickoff at the NAAF Patient Conference in June and throughout the summer. The momentum continued into August with the virtual kickoff and at the special live Instagram rally with Grammy winner Molly Tuttle, to Walk Day with everyone participating across the country while sharing their stories on social media. Every step resulted in empowerment, support, community, hope, fun, and awareness.

Check out our the Walk For Alopecia highlights on YouTube and Instagram. Thank you everyone who had a hand in this inaugural event!

We are already hard at work planning the next Walk For Alopecia in 2024. NAAF was founded more than 40 years ago by volunteers who wanted to do something about alopecia areata. We need your help! Please consider helping to organize the 2024 Walk For Alopecia.

Thank you to the Walk For Alopecia industry partners who not only supported this event with their sponsor dollars, but also raised funds each with their own corporate team:

• National Presenting Sponsor: Pfizer
• Platinum Launch Sponsor: Eli Lilly & Company
• Kickoff Sponsor: Sun Pharma
• Gold Launch Sponsor: Aslan Pharmaceuticals

Walk for Alopecia

Read the rest of this article and the full issue of the October 2023 E-news here>>>

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We are so excited!  The Walk for Alopecia movement and momentum continues to build. So, we are raising the overall Walk goal one last time to $500,000.  Wowza! Big shout out to Team Sage Wisdom who Walked for Alopecia this past weekend.  We are loving their enthusiasm!

Read the rest of this article and the full issue of the September Enews here>>>

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Read the rest of this article and the full issue of the August Enews here>>>

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You can help make cranial prosthetics, or wigs, more affordable by asking your congressional representative and senators to co-sponsor new legislation which redesignates wigs as durable medical equipment eligible for Medicare coverage. Learn more at naaf.org. NAAF wishes to thank our congressional champions, Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), for being the leads on this effort in the House and Senate, respectfully.

Read the rest of this article and the full issue of the June Enews here>>>

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Portrait of a Teen Fundraiser

Spring has sprung and with it are opportunities to support the alopecia areata community! John Tedeschi, a senior a Strongsville High School in suburban Cleveland, OH, won the annual Mr. Mustang competition. John directed the prize funds—almost $7,000—to NAAF to assist with research, advocacy, and support.

“Alopecia first became a part of my life when I was 11 months old. It took many hard years and doctor’s appointments for my parents to find a treatment that worked. I finally was able to grow hair but still get bald spots often. Winning this competition and being able to donate to such a great organization just means the world to me. People don’t realize how big of an impact hair has on one’s self confidence. Being able to help others who struggle with a disease that I’ve lived with my whole life is just so rewarding!”

Read the rest of this article and the full issue of the April Enews here>>>

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See and hear Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Molly Tuttle!  Learn the latest alopecia areata treatment development news from esteemed researchers Drs. Angela Christiano and Brett King!  Join them and hundreds of other members of the alopecia areata community at Reaching New Summits Together, the 38th annual National Alopecia Areata Foundation Conference in Denver, CO, Friday, June 30 – Sunday, July 2, 2023.

Our Conference registration will be live very soon! Watch our social media and your inbox to be the first to know and get the early bird rates! 

Read the rest of this article and the full issue of the March Enews here>>>

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Spotlight on Community Member Keya Trammell

In honor of Black History Month, we wish to spotlight community member, Keya Trammell. Diagnosed with alopecia totalis at the age of 2, Keya’s resilience meant that hair loss was not going to prevent her from pursuing a successful career as a jazz-pop vocalist. Growing up in South Suburban Illinois, Keya was sometimes bullied because of her alopecia totalis, but she credits music for making her feel whole. Her 2020 video for the song “Double Rainbow” features Keya removing her wig in front of her boyfriend. Fans told Keya she made them feel confident. “I realized that I should take on the responsibility of being an artist who makes herself vulnerable by showing her truth.” Keya adds, “When people say, ‘I’m sorry you have alopecia,’ my response is, ‘Alopecia has been a blessing to me.’”

Read the rest of this article and the full issue of the February Enews here>>>

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Alopecia Areata Language in Omnibus Bill

The recently passed congressional Omnibus FY 2023 Appropriations bill includes the following language created by by Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA):

Alopecia Areata – The Committee notes the importance of research into autoimmune skin conditions such as alopecia areata. The Committee requests an update in the fiscal year 2024 Congressional Justification on research initiatives into this condition and opportunities to advance research.

Mental Health Impact of Alopecia.—The Committee notes recent events that have highlighted the effect on an individual’s mental health because of alopecia. The Committee encourages the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) to work with key stakeholders to advance research and resource development aimed at understanding this connection and opportunities for innovative discovery.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Alopecia.—The Committee notes the disproportionate effect of alopecia on people of color, specifically women. The Committee encourages National Institutes of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) to collaborate with relevant Institutes and Centers, such as the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), and relevant stakeholders to identify key research areas of concern.

Read the rest of this article and the full issue of the Enews here>>>

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2023 Conference – Save the Date!

Join us for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation’s 38th Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado,  Friday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2, 2023, with check-in beginning on Thursday, June 29. Watch our social media and our website for registration information in early 2023.

We can’t wait to see you there!

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