Chloë's Medical Trip Fund

Hello, I'm a 17 year old girl with severe Trichotillomania (A hair-pulling disorder). I've been struggling with this since I was 13. I've been trying to find the cause of it ever since. More than a year ago, I had to shave my head because I could no longer hide the huge bald spots, and I've been having to wear hats and bandannas the past year, and I all want is to not feel anymore agonizing, throbbing pain, and to just be a regular teenager with a full head of hair. Everyday is a struggle, I feel like an outcast, a freak. I've tried everything, from topical treatments, specialists, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotism, nothing sticks. No matter how hard I try to ignore the pain, it takes over and I can't focus on my work, or anything else. I also have Tubererous Sclerosis Complex 2, a genetic disease that causes benign tumors in my brain and kidneys, increased anxiety, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Last summer, I was blessed with  Make-A-Wish for my family and I enjoyed a week in Tuscany, Italy full of decreased anxiety and tranquility, surrounded by loved ones. The hospital I've visited annuallly since I was a baby, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, recomended a conference this April that's three days long in San Francisco, on Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors: Hair Pulling, Skin Picking, & Related Behaviors. Unfotunately, I live in Massachusetts and my family doesn't have enough money to afford this mental health trip. I've always wanted to be able to talk to people my age dealing with this same problem every minute of every day, but have never been able to find people who are open about it. That's what this conference can help me with. My goal has always been to graduate high school next year and go to college leaving this thing that does not define me behind, with a full head of hair. Please, I ask you, help me with this difficult journey to health. I will be eternally grateful for your assistance, Thank you. -Chloë De Lisle