This Is Me Foundation, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization that raises awareness about alopecia while giving hope to any individual facing adversity.
Lauren & Caitlin Brady were each diagnosed with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes hairloss) while in high school. It was often a struggle to deal with, but they always remained as positive as they could- yet never spoke too publicly about it.
In January 2011, after watching Miss Delware 2010, Kayla Martell, take her wig off on National TV and explain she would compete in the 2011 Miss America pageant wearing a wig, as she too had alopecia, Lauren & Cait knew they needed to do SOMETHING to inspire others just as Kayla had done for them. Just 3 weeks later, on February 12, 2011 “This Is Me” was born as a two and a half minute YouTube PSA. The video was created to not only raise awareness about alopecia, but to try and inspire ANYONE who faces ANY insecurity.
In January 2012, the Brady sisters began giving scholarships as part of “This Is Me.” These college scholarships are awarded to local high school seniors enrolled in college who have displayed leadership skills while having faced adversity of any kind or helped others through adversity.
In May of this year I was putting my 4 year old to bed and my 12 year old son, Casey walked in the room.
Alopecia Awareness is important to me because Alopecians are one of the most special kinds of people in the world.
Swimmers spent New Year’s Day plunging into frigid water in both Rye and Peekskill on Friday to raise money for charity.
More than 30 people are expected to brave the cold to jump in the Hudson River. The event begins at 1 p.m. at Riverfront Park in Peekskill. The event is open to the public.
I remember feeling sad each day in high school when people—well actually even worse, friends—pointed out how easily you could see my scalp.
6/22/12 – Brady Sisters ‘This is Me Scholarships’ Inspired by Risco and Polhill.
Lauren and Caitlin Brady started a scholarship inspired by their friends, who helped them accept living with alopecia.
Peekskill’s Lauren and Caitlin Brady’s video to raise awareness for alopecia and to address the importance of self confidence and self appreciation earned almost 3,000 YouTube hits in one week.