2008_Makeover

Dear Sir or Madam,

My friend Mayra told me about this makeover. I really don’t know where to start as I
have always tried to think of myself as lucky. There are people with very painful and
deadly diseases that it makes my emotional pain seem small. I figured there must be
a plan (or reason) for me to get this at such an early age, I just did not know what it was
and was not suppose to know yet. I have been able to witness and help out a few
others with my condition by talking to them since I had it so long.

I have had Alopecia Areata Totalis since I was five years old. I got mumps, measles
and pneumonia all in a row plus a fever of 105 to 107 so I am told at one point that all
my hair fell out in handfuls from my head and everywhere else. Growing up and going
to school was hard. Other kids made fun of me and pulled off my hair all the time when
the teachers were not looking. And then there were all the fun doctor and specialist
appointments to figure out what it was I had and how to treat it.

After a rather abusive marriage (10 years) I have been a single mother for 8 years. As I
get older and I am still single, I have to explain my condition to men that I date since
men look at the outside first and I can not leave my hair on 24 hours a day. The
knowing when to explain it to a man is the tricky part because if you do it too soon
before they find out the type of person you are and your personality, then they
sometimes don’t stick around to find out.

Upon finding out it was hereditary, I did worry for my daughter as I did not want her to
be made fun of every day in school and elsewhere. So far, she is just a carrier and has
beautiful hair and is going to be 19 this year.

One of my biggest fears now that I am going to be 42 and single is that I will have to
take out my teeth and hair off at night. This does not seem attractive to me. I can do
the hair but adding the dentures is just too much.

I have been exercising daily (almost) and I picked up kick boxing this year which I love.
I am eating healthier then I have my whole life now for the past year. I have been a non-
smoker since January 21, 2006. I have been a light smoker since I was 12. I had quit
many times and once for 2 years. I have lost a few sizes already. I have been opening
myself up to dating even though I still currently work 2 jobs (one full time and one part
time).

I don’t know what else to say but this would really be a great opportunity for me and
would be appreciated. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Paula R. Kruschik