My name is Ethan, and I was diagnosed with alopecia when I was 9 years old. It all started after we came back from our annual beach trip. During a routine haircut, my mum noticed a small bald patch on my head, about the size of a 20-cent coin, and half of my eyebrow had fallen out. We tried different creams, hoping it was something temporary, but nothing worked. Within two months, I had lost all my hair, not just on my head but on my entire body. I was too young to fully grasp what was happening, but I faintly remember waking up to clumps of hair scattered on my bed.

The timing couldn’t have been worse—it was the start of a new school term. I can still feel the nervousness now thinking about that day when my mum walked me into the classroom. While my school and teachers were incredibly supportive, organizing talks and even holding a fundraiser for alopecia, some kids still teased me. They’d steal my hat, call me names, and make me chase them around school. It was crushing. I remember the tears, the embarrassment, and the overwhelming sadness. I hated being asked questions like, “Why don’t you have hair?” or “Do you have cancer?” It felt like I couldn’t escape the constant reminder of what I had lost.

But over time, with all the support of my family, close friends, and teachers, I slowly began to regain my confidence. I am always looking for ways to grow and develop my self-esteem as there are always people/things that will bring you down. My mum’s words always echo in my heart when I doubt myself: “Beauty comes from within, not from what you look like and If you love yourself, others will love you too.”

Alopecia was new to us, but my mum never gave up. She researched tirelessly and eventually found a clinical nutritionist who approached my condition with a holistic view. After a year of clean eating and lifestyle changes, something amazing happened—my hair started growing back and strangely curly (which is most boys my age’s dream with the new hair trends????). I felt incredible. I lost weight, became stronger, and found joy in sports. From a shy, overweight kid with no hair, I grew into a confident teen who excels in sports, currently being, cross-country, AFL, and basketball.

I am now 15 years old and still occasionally lose my eyebrow, but I don’t let it get me down. Alopecia has taught me that true strength and beauty come from within, and it’s the love I have for myself that really matters. Through this journey, I’ve learned to live a healthy, balanced life and, more importantly, to embrace who I am.

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Ethan was a part of our sponsorship program – you can also participate! Go here to learn more https://aaaf.org.au/sponsorship-program