Faye’s Alopecia Story.

Hi I’m Faye, I have had alopecia since I was five years old. This is the same age I started sailing.

During this time, I have experienced small amounts of regrowth but most of the time I haven’t had any hair. Some of the time I have not had eyebrows or eyelashes. It’s really frustrating having things change all the time.

I am now fifteen and the middle of three sisters. I am the only one in the family with alopecia. Most of the time I am OK with it but it is really hard sometimes wishing I had hair. When people first meet me I know that they are wondering why I don’t have hair.

I have sailed for 10 years and competed in four National Championships in the International Optimist and International Cadet classes. I also competed in the Tasmanian Schools Teams Racing competition and last year was invited to participate in the Australian Schools Teams Racing National Title. I have also competed in several SB20 national championship events.

Sailing is a sport in which females and males compete against each other. It requires a lot of preparation and interaction amongst all competitors. When I started competing at interstate regattas, where competitors, officials, and family members did not know about my alopecia it was initially quite difficult. I had to learn that my alopecia would make me feel worse if I missed out on things trying to hide it. My family and I find it a lot easier if we explain my alopecia so other people understand why I am like this, how it does not affect my ability to compete to a high standard, or my enjoyment and participation in activities. I feel like I have raised awareness of alopecia within this sport and will continue to do so. When people see I am comfortable I think it makes them comfortable.

I regularly volunteer with the Sailability program at a nearby yacht club to support disabled people with their weekly sailing. I am also a junior committee member at the Sandy Bay Sailing Club and have recently completed my assistant instructor qualification. I teach and support younger children in learning sailing. My alopecia is sometimes a point of curiosity to younger children. It is something I have to be brave about when they ask questions or notice that about me. Hopefully, when they meet other people with alopecia it will help them to accept them more easily.

I am thankful for the support of AAAF to assist with coaching costs from the Sponsorship. I am training to compete in some important regattas and the sponsorship is assisting me to access more training opportunities.