Thanks to the PCAF Penny and I were put in contact with each other in May 2009. After speaking on the phone, and sending pictures of our girls to each other, we have stayed in continual contact via the web. We are so lucky to have the support of each other, if either of us are having a bad day we are able to chat immediately and truly emphasise with each other.

Penny and her family holidayed in QLD, so we took the opportunity for us all to meet in person. I was so excited the week leading up to our day together. I thought about it continuously, and shed a few tears that week in anticipation, of our families all meeting.  When their car pulled up out the front, Tyler, Ella's older brother ran to me, and said Mummy Bella has no hair just like Ella, they are the same. I realised then the importance of the day for him as well, to meet someone just like his little sister, in our own home.

I can't explain the feeling i had watching the girls play. But it was one of ease seeing our two little 'bald princesses', playing and not looking different to their playmate, and not standing out.

There is only a 12month age gap between the girls, and we are hoping as they get older and face the challenge of Alopecia, they will be able to support each other, and always have someone to call or talk to as they will understand how each other feels. To be able to sit down with Penny and just talk, about how we felt, what we feared, how we would help our daughters be strong,  was emotional yet so comforting, to be with someone who truly understood everything you had felt. The day flew by, the girls had a fun time playing, and when we look back at the photos we will remember the day we finally met our lifelong friends.

Alana

Finding PCAF gave me a great sense of relief and confirmation that there are other families out there going through the same as we are. Speaking to Bec for the first time gave strength and hope that as a family we could cope with Alopecia in our lives. But finding Alanna, was like a gift from the gods. Someone with a little princess closer to My Bella’s age, we could really identify with each other and each other’s challenges. We talked on the phone for ages that first time and as I hung up I knew I had made a lifelong friend and I couldn’t wait for the chance to meet her and more importantly the chance for Ella and Bella to meet each other an see some one who looked just like them.

That chance came much sooner than I would have thought at the time. When Jetstar had their yearly sales last year we snapped up a trip to Queensland in no time -, a break we needed after a long house extension. Only after it was all booked did it click that this was going to be the chance to meet our new “penfriends”. That, for me became the highlight of our holiday both before we left and after we got home. We talked about it with Bella who had just turned 3, in the lead up to the trip and she was as excited as mummy.

We had a great day that I wish could have lasted longer, as it was such a relief to spend time in person with Alanna, Luke, Ella and Tyler. It was a rewarding experience for all of us. Not only us as parents and the girls who both have Alopecia and no hair at all, but also Tyler who I think enjoyed meeting Bella and seeing someone who looks like his little sister. Hopefully in years to come Bella’s little brother will benefit in the same way and will also have Tyler to talk to as a fellow sibling of an Alopecia sufferer.

We continue to keep in touch and up to date on Bella and Ella’s progress and I look forward to the next chance to spend time with our new friends, I just hope it is not too long between drinks!!!

Penny