[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ALOPECIA AREATA AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize that September is 
Alopecia Areata Awareness Month, and to commend the efforts of the 
National Alopecia Areata Foundation in San Rafael, CA, which is part of 
the district that I am privileged to represent. For over twenty years 
this organization has dedicated itself to researching this horrible 
disease and providing support for those with this condition.
  Very few people may know about this disease, or have even heard of 
it, but alopecia areata is a serious condition that can affect the 
entire population, although it most commonly affects children. Alopecia 
areata is the partial to complete loss of hair over the entire body. 
Without eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair on the scalp, those affected are 
left unprotected from the weather and other environmental conditions. 
While not medically disabling or life threatening, this disease causes 
much emotional pain. Suffers of this disease may have difficulty 
adjusting to the changes to their body and the differences between 
themselves and others around them. Children may encounter frustrating 
situations at school with other children who do not understand this 
disease.
  Alopecia ateata is an autoimmune disease, with no known cause and no 
known cure. Greater awareness and an increased investment in alopecia 
areata research are critical components in our quest for a cure. That 
is why the National Alopecia Areata Foundation plays an important role 
in the lives of those who suffer from this disease. This foundation 
provides funding for research, as well as support services and 
resources for the sufferers. I am so proud to represent this foundation 
in my district and offer them my continued support.
  Mr. Speaker, especially during the month of September, as well as 
throughout the year, we must continue to raise awareness for alopecia 
areata and work to find a cure for this devastating disease.

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