When Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscar’s, I totally sympathized. To me, Chris Rock’s joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s lack of hair was a pathetic attempt at humor. What kind of person stands center stage, in front of thousands of people, and makes fun of a disease over which people have no control? I don’t care that Smith laughed at first, then saw his wife’s expression and decided to defend her honor. I don’t condone violence, but Rock had it comin’.

Maureen McGettigan would agree with me. She’s had alopecia areata for 45 years. She’s in a clinical trial now, hopeful that the new drug will finally restore her hair, including her eyebrows and eyelashes, to the luxuriant red hair she had when she was 16.

Maureen says that alopecia aerata is not a life-threatening disease, but it’s a life-altering one. She decided to take her disease and turn it into a campaign for compassion and education. She’s one of the spunkiest, most kind-hearted people I know. Listen to my interview with Maureen. I think you’ll agree.

~ CK

Alopecia Areata Resources:

National Alopecia Areata Foundation - https://www.naaf.org/

2. Diana Smith, organizer of the Philadelphia NAAF virtual
support meetings - [email protected]

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