Alopecia World

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"At the end of the day, whether or not those people are comfortable with how you're living your life doesn't matter. What matters is whether you're comfortable with it."

Kristen Ridenhour 20, Female
Orlando, Florida, United States

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Question about working with kids

As I said in my previous blog, I am teaching gymnastics to kids this summer. It is kind of like a camp and there are mixture of different kids every week, some come back for more than one week. The kids are mostly between the ages of 7 and 10. I've gotten some questions about my hair, if I'm really bald, or if it will come back. I have no problem answering the kids questions when they ask. I tell them basically what alopecia is and that there is no certainty that I'll every have hair again. They… Continue

Posted on June 20th, 2008 at 4:48pm — 7 Comments (Add)

first day of work

So today was my first official day at work. I had been in a few times just to see how things work around there and what not. I am teaching a gymnastics "summer camp." Most of the kids are between 7 and 10 years old. A few of them remembered me from when I was in before. I had a feeling that there would be someone who would ask where my hair was and I was right. I couldn't have been there for more than 5 minuets before I got the "what happened to your hair?" The first thing I could think to say w… Continue

Posted on June 9th, 2008 at 10:44pm — 3 Comments (Add)

 

Latest Activity

Vickie left a comment for Kristen Ridenhour 1 day ago
Jeffrey...... Don't you wish your boyfriend was bald like me left a comment for Kristen Ridenhour 1 day ago
Kristen Ridenhour left a comment for Jeffrey...... Don't you wish your boyfriend was bald like me 1 day ago
Kristen Ridenhour left a comment for Bri Aug 5

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Relationship Status:
Single
About Me:
I was diagnosed with alopecia early July of 2003, I was 14. About 90% of my hair fell out within about 3 weeks, most of it while I was at gymnastics camp (worst week of camp I’ve ever had!) I went to a dermatologist once and decided from there not to do any treatments. My mom was too scared of the side effects they could have and I really didn’t want shots in my head. The rest took the rest of the summer to completely fall out. Since then, I’ve had no regrowth. I wore a wig at school for 10th and 11th grade. The second I got home, the wig came off. My senior year I wore a bandana. It was probably one of the best decisions I ever made and haven’t touched a wig since. I usually go around with a bandana now. I’m still trying to be comfortable enough to go out completely bald. I’ll get there someday. My family and friends have always been very supportive of me. Sometimes I think it affected them more than it did me (mainly my mom though).

I’m originally from northern Virginia. My mom moved down to Tampa after I graduated from high school, so I came down here with her. I’m going into my 3rd year of college at the University of Central Florida and majoring in civil engineering. I’m leaning toward doing something with transportation when I graduate. I was a competitive gymnast for 10 years. It basically took over my life until I stopped after high school. Now, I’m teaching gymnastics to little kids, I should have seen that coming….
Are you 18 or older?
Yes

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At 1:42pm on August 7th, 2008, Vickie said…
I just wanted to let you know, I haven't excepted anyone's invitation as a friend, just because I don't know anyone. It will take me a while to be comfortable accepting friendship from just knowing them on a website. I am very reluctant when it comes to that, so I hope you understand and I ask just to give me time to absorb everything. Thank you again for being so positive and enthusiastic, I am truly greatful:)
At 11:49pm on August 6th, 2008, Jeffrey...... Don't you wish your boyfriend was bald like me said…
Thanks Kristen,

BTW the movie was great.

Jeff
At 5:11pm on August 5th, 2008, Jeffrey...... Don't you wish your boyfriend was bald like me said…
Hey Kristen,

Thanks for the chat today.

Cya soon,

Jeff
At 4:58pm on August 5th, 2008, Vickie said…
just a few months, since march, I believe was the month she was diagnosed. Thank you for the welcome
At 4:48pm on August 5th, 2008, Casey said…
hello back! I see your a gymnist! I was in gymnastics till i was like 12 I loved it! dont know why i stopped..
well nice to meet ya
At 4:27pm on August 5th, 2008, Carmella said…
Thanks for the advice. You're right, it's the uncertainity that is really bugging me. I decided to just shave it and if it's going to grow it will do it anyway and if not I won't have to worry about it so... I didn't do a very good job shaving though. Armpits went fine I still remember that one, but I missed a lot on the dome - lol
XOXO
CAR
At 6:43pm on August 2nd, 2008, Ele said…
Hello! Such? I was watching your photos are chulisimas!
So I am very busy preparing the bags, because I travel on Tuesday to washingtn and South America.
Delighted to meet you.
Kiss, Ele.
At 6:26am on August 2nd, 2008, Roger said…
Ive been great. My 3rd week after a long vacation.

Hows the weather in FL? Hot now?
At 1:48pm on August 1st, 2008, stacy said…
i had this one college prep class which made me work like crazyy but i foresee a less stressful August. i'm staying at my aunts and doing nothing really.
At 3:45pm on July 31st, 2008, Roger said…
Hi!

How are you doing?
 
 

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