(BPT) - When Keira was diagnosed with alopecia areata at just 2 years old, her mother Leslie felt lost and unsure where to turn for support. "It was so isolating and lonely," said Leslie. "I felt desperate for information and a community."

As her daughter began attending school, the diagnosis affected Keira's daily life in heartbreaking ways. One day, Keira told her mom, "Being the only bald kid at school is really hard." This made Leslie more determined than ever to connect with other families who had children with alopecia.

Leslie's search for community began with the National Alopecia Areata Foundation™ (NAAF™) , which connects people living with alopecia areata, their families, caregivers and medical and scientific professionals. NAAF fosters community that drives research and trea

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