Rapunzel

Introducing Brittany as our Rapunzel, ironically representing those diagnosed with Alopecia, refusing to be defined by her hair (or lack thereof), and demonstrating that bald IS beautiful!

"With or without hair, or whatever physical imperfections you may have, you can still be a prince or princess and do anything you put your mind to!

My name is Brittany and I represent Rapunzel. A quote I live by is, "Be kind always, for everyone you meet may be fighting an even harder battle." I say that because when I was 22 years old, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Alopecia, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles and causes it to fall out. My hair first started falling out in patches, until it exponentially and fully fell out as my stressed worsened. You can lose your eyebrows, eyelashes, and all of your body hair, but I currently have only lost the hair on my head. I am very thankful to have it because it has changed me completely as a person. I use to be so judgemental, I only focused on looks, and going through traumatic hair loss has caused me to treat others more kindly than anyone can ever imagine. I hope that my story inspires others to be kind to every single person that they meet, no matter what physical or mental flaws they may have. It's all about loving yourself, being comfortable in your own skin, and owning your confidence!

I was not always like this though, it took a lot of tears and personal rebuilding to come to terms with not being able to grow my hair back. Seeing others playing sports, swimming, or even sleeping at a friend's house without having to worry about their wig falling off, moving out of place, or what others might think of them if it did. Now I go out without my wig knowing that their negative judgements will no longer keep me down and make me feel unhappy with myself. It's their loss of knowing an incredibly positive person like me if they cannot look past my bald head. I am so incredibly grateful that it has shown me who my true friends are, and who will be by my side as I continue pursuing my happily ever after." -Brittany