Hi, my name is Courtney. I am a chronically ill 28-year-old single mother and psychology undergrad student. I have multiple chronic illnesses: Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism, Endometriosis, PCOS, Joint-Hypermobility Syndrome, and most significantly, Lupus. In the last few months, I have been working with multiple specialists to get on the medications I need to feel like a functioning person again, and my newest lupus medication is an immunosuppressant (kind of like a lower dose of chemo, just a different kind of medication). This new medication causes hair loss in about 10% of patients, and I am apparently in that 10%. I have experienced lupus hair loss for the last couple of years, getting progressively worse, but nothing compares to how much my hair has been falling out in the last week since this new medication fully took effect. I am still getting used to/increasing my medications to the high level they need to be at, but I don't expect my hair to be around for much longer. I have been losing giant clumps daily with no signs of it slowing down, especially with my meds increasing this week.

I am starting this GoFundMe in hopes to raise some money to be able to purchase a few good quality wigs to get my confidence back. I am tired of sitting in front of the mirror every day just pulling out clumps and clumps every time I run my fingers through my hair. I am tired of crying whenever I catch a glimpse of the ever-growing bald spots. I am tired of being too embarrassed to leave the house. My health already made me drop this term of school while I adjusted to all of the new medications, and now I'm afraid to leave the house to even check the mail because I don't want anyone to see my hair. I don't recognize myself when I look in the mirror anymore and I hate it.

I went to a wig shop last week and tried on some wigs. It was very hard, but I wanted a realistic idea of what was to come. Firstly, even the synthetic, non-heat-stylable wigs were at least $300; the heat-stylable ones were closer to $500+, and the human hair wigs started around $1500. Granted, the prices can be a bit less online, but the ones in shop are fitted to your head, come with personalized care instructions, and can be taken back in for maintenance, making them last a lot longer.

My hope is to turn this devastating situation into something fun/enjoyable. Not having to worry about budgeting/getting the cheapest I can find and just being able to get all the supplies I need and a few nice-looking/higher quality wigs would make this situation a lot more pleasant. Like I said before, with my health, I can barely manage going to school at the moment, and with being a solo parent (to a neurodivergent 4-year-old nonetheless) working a job on top of everything else is impossible, so money is very tight, and this being added to my already full plate just feels like too much to handle, so I am turning to my community for help and support. I know that times are tough but even if those of you who made it this far in my story just donated a few dollars, it would add up.

Thank you to everyone who is taking the time to read and share this page, and even if you don't have any money to spare, your supportive/encouraging words are greatly appreciated.

Love,

A mom who refuses to let Lupus rule her life