Shaunna's Skydive
Shaunna Cadden is raising money for Alopecia UK
Story
On the 1st of September 2019, I will be conquering my biggest fear of heights by taking part in a charity skydive for Alopecia UK. Alopecia UK is a small national charity, working to improve the lives of those affected by Alopecia.
Some of you may not know this, but from the young age of 5 years old I have suffered from Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune condition which mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. My journey has been ongoing, through a vicious cycle of losing my hair in particular patches and seeing re-growth months later. In some circumstances, I can manage it more than others, constantly wearing hats or headbands to cover up. However, since I can remember I have not been able to wear my hair up in a fancy do or do anything besides wearing it down. It is lucky I inherited my dad’s thick, curly hair, allowing me to wear my hair down and feel somewhat confident.
It has been a roller coaster of emotions, not only does the condition affect me physically but also mentally. Growing up with Alopecia wasn’t easy, I endured laughs, name calling and occasionally bullying. Enduring it for so long allowed me to answer the curious questions of why I don’t have hair in some areas. Due to this, I am no longer afraid of my condition, nor embarrassed. I have come to terms with the fact that it is part of who I am, and I am learning to be confident with the way I look.
However, for some this is not the case. There are many types of Alopecia, to name a few: Alopecia Totalis, Universalis, Androgenetic and Scarring Alopecia, all of which affect hair loss and growth in some way. This skydive is for all of us that experience the condition, to raise awareness and to stop the curious questions. It is to allow people to understand that it is okay to look different. In today’s society, it is hard not to conform to a certain high standard appearance. However, I am different, and that is okay.
So please sponsor me, in my journey to raising awareness of Alopecia, however little or small.
Thank you,
Shaunna Patrice Cadden.