Going Bandanas for NAAF
Thursday, August 20, 2009
By: Hannah Billbrough

Going Bandanas for NAAF

My name is Hannah Billbrough, and I am 11 years old, and I was diagnosed with alopecia areata about three months ago. My doctor gave me the web site to NAAF and I found it to be very helpful, providing me with information about alopecia areata, since I have never heard of it before.

I have been wearing bandanas and hats to school to hide my bald spots. Students and teachers kept asking me why I was always wearing something on my head to school. I would tell them that I have alopecia areata. No one had ever heard of this. I was inspired by looking at your web site and decided I wanted to educate and raise awareness for alopecia areata.

My parents bought 300 purple bandanas and we took them to a graphic artist were they used a design that I made. My intention was to sell these bandanas for $5 each and donate the money to NAAF. I also gave them a paper that described what alopecia areata is.

I originally thought I would sell them to friends and family. Word got around about my goal to raise as much money as possible and educate people about alopecia areata. I ended up selling all 300 bandanas through my school and community! I am so proud to say that I raised $1,000 for alopecia areata! I truly believe I could not have done this with out the support of my family, friends, and community!

By selling my bandanas I have also met some amazing people who have alopecia areata in my hometown of Havertown, PA. I used to always wear a bandana to school and my after school activities. But since selling my bandanas and educating people I feel comfortable with myself, and I am proud of who I am without trying to hide my bald spots.

I am still loosing my hair, but I feel positive that I made a difference in other people’s lives by educating them. With the money I raised I hope someday we can find a cure and help other children and adults with this unpredictable disease.