Those living with alopecia come together for support and summer fun

NORTH TOPSAIL, NC (WWAY) — People from more than 40 states and Canada were in one place for a special retreat. They all had one thing in common they or someone they know, has alopecia. Alopecia is an incurable autoimmune disease that causes hair loss.

Those with alopecia and their supporters came together to talk about living with the disease. The Salt and Light Center in North Topsail hosted the 2015 Alopeciapalooza. The event is put on by the Children’s Alopecia Project, a non-profit that focuses on empowering and supporting families.

Over the next couple of days there will be speakers, games and a panel featuring kids with alopecia. Organizers says it is important to have events because they want to build self-esteem and a support system for those living with hair loss.

Jeff Woytovich, founder of the Children’s Alopecia Project, said his wife and daughter have alopecia so this issue is especially significant to him.

“It’s kind of our purpose, it’s just something that we believe in because we went through it and we’ve always said that we are parents first,” said Woytovich. “And because of being parents first we really want to try and help the families and make sure the kids have the tools to be better adults.”

This was Grace Roby’s fifth Alopeciapalooza. She came all the way from California to be a part of the event.

“It’s just really fun to be in a community with other people that are just like me and so I don’t have to feel like stressed out about it,” said Roby.

The Apolpeciapalooza will last through Sunday. North topsail was the site of the 20-12 Apolpeciapalooza.

The event was sold out this year. Eighty kids and 15 adults living with the disease and their families were there.