Author: Date: 30/04/2009 11:12:56 AM

The Launch of the Tresses for Princesses was a great success and introduced our spokesperson for the Foundation - Stephanie Rice an Olympian gold medal winner in swimming. Stephanie will be a great asset for us, and it is a great honour that she has chosen the PCAF as her charity. The afternoon went well, and the details can be seen on the front page of the website.

On the previous night, 30 ladies had a fantastic time at Napoleon Perdis’ makeup school in the city. The main reason .for the night was to learn some makeup tips for eyebrows and eyelashes and generally to make us feel good about ourselves. There were many makeup artists who gave us their valuable time and expertise, and we were able to sample the variety of makeup that Napoleon Perdis has in his range.

K-L, who organised the night, is doing a documentary on alopecia and we must thank her for the wonderful time we had. Thanks also to Linda for our gift bags and demonstrations on the art of applying false eyelashes and eyebrows.

Unfortunately we had to cancel the Zoo outing because of the closeness to the launch and also the cost. However we are still having a picnic on the same Sunday 17th May at Bicentennial Park at Homebush. We are planning to meet at 10.30 am near the Waterview Convention Centre, where there are B-B-Q’s and play equipment. This time we are asking that you bring your own food, either a picnic lunch or meat to cook, and drinks. The occasion is just getting together and enjoying the day, and especially interaction for the kids.

It is amazing how much publicity the subject of HAIR gets in the newspapers and magazines.

When Brittany Spears shaved off her hair the press went mad. An article in the SMH several weeks ago quoted a woman, who after the death of a family member and the stress of full time study, decided to cut her hair to the point there was nothing left but a bit of fuzz. She said, ”It’s amazing what hair or lack of, means to people. I have never felt so judged before in my life. I was treated like a social outcast.”

“She also said she felt displaced without the security blanket of long hair, and she felt isolated”.

There have been books written that describe hair as a rite of passage, as a way of re inventing yourselves.

The SMH quotes a woman who had been abused, who chose the way to make herself feel cleansed by changing her hairstyle “hair is the easiest and most dramatic change I could control.”

“A woman’s hair carries a strong emotional and cultural investment. It can express life, attractiveness, femininity, health and personality to name just some aspects”.

Wigs of course give us the opportunity to look and feel the way we did before the loss of hair. We can cut the hair to a style that suits, we can re invent ourselves by changing that style or colouring the hair, but in reality when we take off the wig at night, that security blanket can disappear. This is where the hard work needs to start. We are all beautiful people with or without hair, and when we learn to love ourselves the journey will begin.

As we are spread right across Australia and New Zealand, perhaps the idea of city and country based support groups would be beneficial. The PCAF is based in Sydney, and of course it can be quite difficult and expensive to attend functions arranged here. Perhaps we could have a group leader that organised small events in each State or big country town. This subject will be discussed in more detail.

We must thank Christine and Alison, Charlotte’s grandmothers, who worked so hard with their woman’s groups MAD and QUOTA to raise money for the foundation.

Both Christine and Alison were instrumental in organizing garden parties in Forster and Taree, where they not only raised money, but also spread awareness of alopecia and its effects on those who have it. What a great effort ladies, we appreciate your efforts enormously.

This is a very good way to raise money for the foundation. Many of you have asked about fundraising – mufti days at school, an article in your local paper – use your imagination!!

Please also talk to your local hairdressers about Tresses for Princesses. There must be so much hair that ends up on the hairdresser’s floor that could be used in the making of a wig. Be pro active.