Grace’s Resilience
From Diagnosis to Advocacy in Alopecia Areata
At 16, Grace Walsh was diagnosed with alopecia areata after experiencing significant hair loss, starting with her eyebrows and eventually affecting most of her scalp. Navigating a rare condition during high school came with significant social and emotional challenges. Once an outgoing and confident teenager, Grace found her self-esteem affected, particularly during activities she once loved, like soccer.
Throughout her treatment journey, Grace’s dermatologist became a source of stability and hope, playing an instrumental role in helping her explore personalized treatment options and access clinical trials. Grace tried various treatments, including corticosteroids and immunotherapy, with mixed results. When her dermatologist informed her about a newly approved treatment in Canada, it led to significant improvement, and today, most of her hair has grown back.
Grace is grateful for the support and patient programs that helped her access treatment, but she knows many others with rare skin conditions still face barriers. In the near future, she hopes for more equitable access to care. Now a fourth-year health sciences student at Queen’s University, Grace has channeled her experience into advocacy. She leads the Newfoundland chapter of the Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation, working to raise awareness and support others dealing with alopecia. Her experience has influenced her career path and her belief in the importance of dermatologists in managing both the physical and mental health aspects of dermatological conditions.