Head-On, Stories of Alopecia

After thirty seven years of having some form of alopecia areata, I finally met others who understood. I stopped feeling alone in my journey and began writing about my experience. I soon discovered who I was without hair. The book journey began when I realized there were more stories to be told.
As a child, I yearned to know someone else who looked like me and understood how I felt. Head-On, Stories of Alopecia has become everything I would have wanted to see and read when I was first diagnosed.

More about me...This is my indie-published, non-fiction debut. Thirty years ago, I unwillingly exchanged the steady California sunshine for the perpetual liquid sunshine of Washington State, and I now happily call Skagit Valley my home.

I spend my time working with my husband, Cedar, in our re-purposing/salvage company, constantly reminding my children to pick up after themselves, and trying not to injure myself or teammates while playing competitive volleyball with my slightly disorganized and aging team.

My love of Hawaiian music and strong desire to one day properly learn to hula dance are small ways I try to connect with my Hawaiian heritage.

My biggest accomplishments in life are becoming a published author, building my home piece by piece, dismantling and re-purposing a 16,000 square foot horse arena, and the ability to stay married after doing all of these things together with my husband of 22 years.

This collection of personal narratives follows the courageous journeys of over 75 writers as they find their way after being diagnosed with alopecia areata, a hair loss condition that affects over 146 million men, women, and children throughout the world.
What begins as just a small bald spot eventually leads to a diagnosis of a confusing and relatively unknown autoimmune disease. They soon learn there are no reliable cures and that alopecia could possibly last a lifetime. Their discovery of acceptance, adaptability, and finally celebration are intertwined in these thought-provoking inspiring stories and captivating photos.
As they unearth their new identities and reclaim their lives, there is no doubt you will begin to recognize your own distinct ability to tackle any challenge, Head-On.