I am a TTM success story. Not because I am pull free, in fact I currently have bald spots, but because as I have come to accept it and not be tortured by the constraints it can afflict on our lives. I have suffered from Trich since at least the first grade. It started innocently enough. My friend told me "If you pull out an eyelash, make wish and blow on it, your wish will come true." Well apparently I had a lot of wishing to do because eyelashes led to eyebrows and in fifth grade I began pulling out my hair.

What was wrong with this child? Why does she pull her eyelashes, eyebrows and hair? It can't possibly be gratifying! So, as many of us were, I was hauled in for analysis. The first doctor prescribed punishment. No going out to play, straight to bed after dinner, perhaps a spanking. Obviously that course of action did not work and my parents were riddled with guilt so we were back to the drawing board. I saw many therapists over the years and none were successful at treating the affliction. In High School, my Mom and I mutually agreed that I would own it. By owning it, I mean that she stopped trying to make it her disease to manage FOR me and began to support me as I tried to manage it for myself. This was a turning point for both of us. I no longer felt like I was a disappointment or not living up to my families' expectations. I slowly began to accept that this was who I was. Other then bald spots and some theatrical makeup expertise (wink) I was pretty normal!

So what makes me a success today? The ability to be open and honest about the affliction and the effect it has on me. I strongly feel that this level of honesty is a milestone in recovery. NOT hiding it in shame, but facing it with courage. I talk openly about it with my husband, my family, and my co-workers. By talking about it I find people are fascinated to learn about it. Not only do I feel better about myself, people ADMIRE me. Admire me for living with bald spots! Are they crazy! Well, probably not. It takes a tremendous amount of courage or each of us to face this demon every day. Everyday that we can lighten to load or the weight it puts on our shoulders is a success. People will surprise you. They will help you carry the load if you let them!

I am thirty years old. I graduated from Michigan State University in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science/Pre-Law. I married my wonderful husband in 1996 and we have two wonderful little boys, one 6 and the other now 4. I have worked for AT&T for the past seven years. While I was an account executive, I was in the top 1% of the sales force for AT&T two years in a row. I now am a sales manager managing ten account executives and 30 of the largest accounts in the state of Michigan. I have not made less then six figures since I was 24. Oh ya.. I also suffer from trich and have bald spots and no eyelashes!

Success is making lemonade when life gives you lemons. Through humor and sharing my experience I have found relief from the guilt.

I feel like the most successful person on the planet, bald spots and all!

Kristen Emerich
k.emerich@comcast.net