only in your mind...

ia. Ten years! So many things have happened since that summer of 2002 when my hair started to fall in clumps, making me completely bald by the end of July. There was no specific cause, so there was no specific cure; but common causes of Alopecia include hormonal or protein imbalance, stress, or an adverse reaction to medication.

It became an opportunity for me to thank God for all that I had, rather than lamenting what I have lost. With the help of my family and friends, I recorded a gospel album that celebrated music, one of His biggest gifts in my life. I had the chance to sing in different churches and share my testimony. I frequently said then that I didn’t know God’s reason for such a challenge; looking back now, I see that it was a period of transformation, His way of changing me from within. 

My favorite kalbo moments?
- Martin and I were chasing each other at the UAP-CAS building’s 4th floor. (Wala lang, normal lang sa ‘min ‘yon.) For some reason I leaned over the stairwell, and my wig fell aaaall the way down to the first floor. I think we had sidestitches for a good ten minutes from laughing too much.

- During the first few meetings of PE (weight lifting), students had to go through a physical fitness test: crunches, long jumps, jumping jacks, etc. When I did my crunches, my wig decided to stay on the floor. After a moment of silence from the class, I had to laugh at myself so my new classmates won’t feel bad laughing at me. 

- The roller coaster operator at Enchanted Kingdom insisted that I take off my hat because it might fall during the ride and jam the rails… so I took of my hat AND wig. The look on his face was priceless. He kept on saying sorry after the ride but I told him it was ok, I understood the reason; there was just no point in removing only my hat if my wig could fall off and jam the rails too. :p (Bilang may history na nga siyang layasan ang ulo ko. Hahahaha.)

I didn’t have an idea then if my hair would grow back, I just rode the tide with hope. I loved wearing different wigs and bandannas! Eventually, by January 2005, tiny white strands of hair grew. After enjoying being Storm for a few months, the white hair changed into thin strands of grey and brown. Catwoman naman, hahaha! My recovery began then, and as you can see now, my hair is back! I still have bald spots from time to time, reminding me that each strand of hair I have now is a granted prayer. :) 

Yay to Alopecia Awareness! :) Please help spread the word: 

- Post a photo of yourself with the AA Hand Sign (2 inverted Vs that form 2 As) and tag #AlopeciaAreataAwareness and @AAawareness. Read the jump for more info. :) http://abbyasistio.com/latest/post-a-photo-for-alopecia-areata-awareness/

- Visit and LIKE the FB page too! https://www.facebook.com/AlopeciaAreataAwarenessRocks