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I’ve kept pretty much to myself these past few weeks. In retrospect, distancing myself from family and friends was a not one of the smartest things I’ve ever done. As the saying goes, “no man is an island”. It was time to move forward.
Despite my trepidation, I ventured out to the local NAAF meeting last night. Glad I did. What I found was support, camaraderie, and much needed laughter. As if amongst family and old friends, I felt comfortable figuratively, as well as literally, “letting my hair down”. That in itself was worth the trip. Most importantly, seeing with my own two eyes that I am not alone was, as they say, priceless. My sincerest thanks to the group for both their support and sharing so openly.
I’m walking a little taller this morning, feeling better about myself, despite the twists and turns that may lie ahead. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor…get out, mingle, share face to face. You’ll be all the better for it.
Two of the group members are scheduled to meet with a NY State representative in support of a bill which classifies wigs / hairpieces, for individuals suffering temporary or permanent hair loss as the result of an illness such as alopecia, as cranial prosthetics. Passage of the bill means the cost, or at least a portion thereof, would be covered by health insurance. Wishing them Godspeed as the pick up the gauntlet to champion this important issue…
Despite my trepidation, I ventured out to the local NAAF meeting last night. Glad I did. What I found was support, camaraderie, and much needed laughter. As if amongst family and old friends, I felt comfortable figuratively, as well as literally, “letting my hair down”. That in itself was worth the trip. Most importantly, seeing with my own two eyes that I am not alone was, as they say, priceless. My sincerest thanks to the group for both their support and sharing so openly.
I’m walking a little taller this morning, feeling better about myself, despite the twists and turns that may lie ahead. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor…get out, mingle, share face to face. You’ll be all the better for it.
Two of the group members are scheduled to meet with a NY State representative in support of a bill which classifies wigs / hairpieces, for individuals suffering temporary or permanent hair loss as the result of an illness such as alopecia, as cranial prosthetics. Passage of the bill means the cost, or at least a portion thereof, would be covered by health insurance. Wishing them Godspeed as the pick up the gauntlet to champion this important issue…
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Comment by Carol on May 23, 2008 at 12:24pm
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Hey Tony
Glad to see you made it out to a meeting. It is great to be around people that share similar experiences and I noticed as well that everyone took to each other rather quickly. It's nice to see someone is trying to get wigs covered by insurance too. I'm not willing to take that on myself (I don't mix well with politics) but give kudos to anyone with the guts that would be willing to try that. Good going Tony!
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Comment by Mandy on May 23, 2008 at 3:58pm
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I will need to go to the naaf website and see if there are meetings in my area...that would be cool. Good job getting out there, Tony!
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Comment by Sherry Schaefer on May 24, 2008 at 11:45am
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Hi Tony! It was great meeting you at the NAAF meeting Thursday....thanks for coming and hope to see you at future meetings. I always wonder what a man with a a walks away with from these meetings because so much time is spent discussing all things wigs, so I'm glad to find your positive post. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!!
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Comment by Tony on May 27, 2008 at 12:11pm
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Thanks Sherry for the comments and the warm welcome the other night. Yeah, the wig conversation was over my head...but seeing the positive attitudes of all the ladies, despite the road they have travelled, was the real take away.
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I'm just wondering if talking about wigs is a major part of most meetings? That's all most people seemed to talk about at my meeting and to be honest even I found it slightly frustrating seeing as I've long abandoned my wig. Life's not about hair! (I understand, I just wish I could open their eyes).
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Yes and no. The majority of the conversation centered on wigs, but the undertones were about day to day issues related to living with alopecia. Barbara, the coordinator (hope that's the right term), was wonderful. She stimulated the conversation, not that there were many lulls, brought information regarding the upcoming conference, and shared details of the current push for legislation. Two hours just flew by.
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