Sunlit Photography

This was a special Project Molly’s Eyes event as it was the first time we were able to showcase the beauty of alopecia and we launched Carve Out Courage! We had 6 stunning girls + Molly and a very special celebrity guest, Madison Jordan. Madison was recently on the hit show, So you Think you can Dance?

We began the event with a few words from myself and Molly, which lead to the introduction and motivational talk from Madison. Following the girls all broke off into their own space with Madison while the parents connected, and I pulled each girl for a mini photo shoot. We ended with group photos. It was a wonderful afternoon! I could see confidence and resilience build in many as it’s always nice to know you’re not alone in your challenges, especially when they seem isolating. -A special thanks to Madison for taking time out her very busy schedule to meet with us as well as Vickey Weiss Photography for donating the studio space.

I am delighted to share images from the event along with inspiring words from the girls. You will notice the quotes vary as does the ages and experiences. Alopecia connects these girls in a unique ways, but they are all navigating their own life adventure.

“We didn’t choose to have alopecia, but alopecia can make us stronger and more courageous. It is not a flaw in us. The hard times can lead to the good times, like today! We get to choose how to live our lives. We are beautiful!…” ~Molly, 9

“It’s just hair… you don’t need it. Even though I have Alopecia, it doesn’t mean I can’t do what I want to, like gymnastics or dance. We [alopecia kids] can be strong and have lots of courage. Courage is inside you not on the outside. You are beautiful just the way you are.” ~Norah, 8

“My name is Abigail and my journey with alopecia has been kind of short, but I’ve learned a lot. There will be bullies, but there will be happiness. Don’t just believe there is good… be the good.” ~Abigail, 9.5

“My name is Taylor, and I have had alopecia for two years. In the beginning it was super hard to cope with, but with the help of family and friends it was much easier. I wore a wig for the first five months of having alopecia. In april 2018 I took my wig off in front of my whole class and explained what alopecia is. No one laughed but were all in shock of what was happening to their classmate. After that my confidence raised. I was a lot happier. To anyone out there who has alopecia- Don’t give up on hope, and you are amazingly beautiful. The people making fun of you are just jealous!” ~Taylor, 13

“Alopecia dosen’t stop me from doing anything…it’s just hair.” ~Maddie, 7

“My name is Skylar, and I have had alopecia all my life. I have good days and bad days when dealing with this disease, but I know that beauty is on the inside and that is what matters most. My hair doesn’t define who I am……my personality and kindness is what shines!!” ~Skylar, 10

“I wish Alopecia didn’t affect me in the way that it does. I wish I was the happy, bright spirit that everyone wants me to be. I want people to see the happy girl they saw in me before my hair fell out, but I cannot control what is happening to me or how I feel. I want to tell you that no one at school will bring you down with their words and actions — but I can’t. You have to be strong, even though sometimes you won’t be able to. In all my life I have never dealt with something that tore me apart as this has done to me. Everyday of every minute of the day I tell myself to “be strong, be strong for myself — be strong for someone who isn’t as strong as you”. Together, we must stay strong.” ~Malia, 15

Malia came to the event in her wig, which is how she feels most comfortable. I did not expect her to take off her wig during her session as there was no pressure to do so. Everybody is on their own journey. I wanted Malia to feel free to be herself. When she chose to take off her wig it was deeply profound and impactful experience to witness. Malia did it on her own terms and held her own power.