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Hair Loss Charities that Involve … You!By Naomi Mannino DID YOU KNOW? There are many national charities that raise money for hair loss research and treatments, provide groups and clubs, and donate to hair loss sufferers in need. Here’s how to get involved …Whether you are an adult suffering chemotherapy-related hair loss, the parent of a child with Alopecia Areata, a school administrator or a friend of anyone losing their hair for any reason, you may want to know how you can help yourself as well as other hair loss sufferers. Some charities raise money to provide hair prostheses to those in need, some charities provide support groups and activities for sufferers, some charities provide beauty services, some charities raise funds for research and education and some charities do all of the above. One thing they all have in common … they care about your hair loss and you belong! Children's Alopecia Project or " CAP" - is the only non-profit organization devoted specifically to children with Alopecia Areata or Alopecia Totalis. The goal of the group is to create awareness of the disease and provide a support group to build self-esteem through group activities for the children, their families, and their friends. The group holds an annual fundraiser like its recent 5th Annual Spring Spectacular in April 2009, which included food, games and fun, to fund programs throughout the following year like CAP Kid meetings (in 10 states so far), CAP Kid Connections, CAP Kids Camp, the CAP Kid Library Program and special events like Alopeciapalooza 2009, and other activities and events across the country. Anyone can fundraise for CAP through a fun school “Crazy Cap Day” or through donations and sponsorships and anyone can start a new CAP group. Locks of Love - is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces created from donated hair to financially disadvantaged children in the U.S. and Canada. For children who are suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis, these hair pieces go a long way to return normalcy and self-confidence. The high-quality prostheses are available free of charge or on a sliding scale based on financial need. Locks of Love accepts donated hair from hair salons or individuals based on the following three guidelines: 1. The donated hair must be at least 10 inches (preferably 12") in length The hair must be clean and dry, placed in a plastic bag, and mailed in a padded envelope to: Locks of Love Little Princesses - fully funds this program to supply the best wigs specially made for children since high quality real hair wigs are very expensive and hard to obtain in children's sizes. Little Princesses works with special suppliers and experienced hair dressers who adjust and create the most realistic wig to match a child’s original hair, for girls and boys. Little Princesses holds many fundraisers at beauty colleges to raise money to pay for wigs, most recently a Fashion Show at Wiltshire College Chippenham this past April. Little Princesses also accepts hair donations. White Cliffs Foundation - The White Cliffs Foundation gives hope to hair loss sufferers in the UK of any age by providing no-cost, nonsurgical hair replacement treatments for two eligible individuals per month - chosen by a committee of foundation Patrons. Whether due to medical hair loss issues such as Alopecia or illness, White Cliffs believes that hair loss should not hinder a individual’s self confidence, expression, creativity, or their ability to live life to the fullest. Charlie's Angels Alopecia Areata Program - While on road playing against the opposing city, NBA star and Detroit Pistons player Charlie Villanueva meets with young children (and their parents) afflicted with alopecia areata in over 15 different cities through out the season. They get the chance to watch the pre-game shoot around from court-side seats. Charlie poses for pictures, signs autographs, and speaks with the children about living with alopecia areata. The children also receive a Charlie’s Angels t-shirt. Over the course of the last three seasons, Charlie has encountered over 2000 kids because of this program. FOR CANCER PATIENTS The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Look Good Feel Better Program (http://www.cancer.org or http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org ) works with licensed hairstylists and cosmetologists who donate their time and expertise to a small group of women in a private setting who also receive a free makeup kit from the ACS. Contact the ACS to locate the nearest chapter or program. The Wellness Community (http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org ) is an international non-profit organization which provides free professionally-led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition and exercise programs, beauty events, and stress-reduction classes for people affected by cancer. Gilda’s Club Worldwide (http://www.gildasclub.org/ ) is a completely free membership open to anyone living with cancer and their friends and families. It’s designed to complement medical care by providing social activities, networking and support groups, workshops, and education. FOR ALOPECIA AREATA SUFFERERS The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) (http://www.alopeciaareata.com/) raises money to support research to find a cure as well as new treatments for Alopecia Areata. Its additional mission is to support sufferers and raise public awareness and understanding of this unpredictable, devastating hair loss disease. NAAF can help you get involved with fundraising, provide information for sufferers and the public, and advocate for the concerns of those afflicted with Alopecia Areata. The NAAF also creates and distributes educational materials used by doctors, schools and other health professionals. Anyone can fundraise for the NAAF and two of its most popular benefits include the “Tortoise & Hair” 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk and the “Links for Locks” Golf Tournament which have both provided great results both financially and emotionally.
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