Trichster Sisters Program
For several years, I attended an annual conference for people of all ages with trichotillomania. It was always a joy each year witnessing the group of children there blossom throughout the weekend. It warmed my heart seeing them run around the hotel with each other, laughing and playing and just being kids. Sadly, trichotillomania and the resulting hair loss often deprives kids of many childhood experiences, whether caused by bullying from peers, or just the shame of feeling "different." Living with the burden of noticeable hair loss as young girl takes a toll.
The antidote to shame is community. I was in my mid teens when I found that community that allowed me to feel safe in shedding my shame and letting my true self shine. My own healing inadvertently led me to helping others, without ever really giving it much thought. It just took shape on its own. Over the years, I informally adopted a role as a mentor to the youngest community members, making the newcomers feel welcomed and at ease, answering questions from parents new to this journey, and even leading workshops geared towards kids at the conferences. In May 2019, upon returning home from attending my fifth yearly conference, I felt a strong, energizing internal call that I couldn't ignore telling me that I needed to do even more, especially for kids who may not have the opportunity to attend in person programming.
Having worked with children my entire adult life in various capacities and finding that to be my niche, coupled with my lived experience of growing up with trich, it didn't take long at all to ultimately come up with a solid premise: I would individually put together and send care packages to young girls all across the country, (ideally) start a pen pal correspondence, and act as a big sister type mentor to them.
And thus, Trichster Sisters was born.
Over the course of 2019, I successfully raised over one thousand dollars and sent out 40 Trichster Sister care packages to girls ages 2 to 14 from all across the United States. I even got to meet a few of the girls in person! The positive response to the program was overwhelming. Not only was I helping the girls, but their moms would also reach out to me desperately looking for answers, then be so vocally gracious of my support for them too.
After such a successful initial run, I put a pause on the program for a few years. But as of 2024, I am back up and running! Each package contains fidget toys, hair accessories, a small teddy bear, handmade bracelet than can double as a fidget, and a copy of my book, A Trichy Situation, which explains trichotillomania in kid friendly, easy to understand language. There is no cost to sign up and the program is free to participants.
My goal for this program is to be a glimmer of light for young girls struggling like I once was. I aim to foster their confidence and self-love. Knowing you're not alone and having someone in your corner who not only cares for you, but also shares an understanding of the path you're on, is life affirming. My ultimate driving force of this all is the hope of being who I needed and wanted when I was younger.
Sign up for Trichster Sisters below!
The antidote to shame is community. I was in my mid teens when I found that community that allowed me to feel safe in shedding my shame and letting my true self shine. My own healing inadvertently led me to helping others, without ever really giving it much thought. It just took shape on its own. Over the years, I informally adopted a role as a mentor to the youngest community members, making the newcomers feel welcomed and at ease, answering questions from parents new to this journey, and even leading workshops geared towards kids at the conferences. In May 2019, upon returning home from attending my fifth yearly conference, I felt a strong, energizing internal call that I couldn't ignore telling me that I needed to do even more, especially for kids who may not have the opportunity to attend in person programming.
Having worked with children my entire adult life in various capacities and finding that to be my niche, coupled with my lived experience of growing up with trich, it didn't take long at all to ultimately come up with a solid premise: I would individually put together and send care packages to young girls all across the country, (ideally) start a pen pal correspondence, and act as a big sister type mentor to them.
And thus, Trichster Sisters was born.
Over the course of 2019, I successfully raised over one thousand dollars and sent out 40 Trichster Sister care packages to girls ages 2 to 14 from all across the United States. I even got to meet a few of the girls in person! The positive response to the program was overwhelming. Not only was I helping the girls, but their moms would also reach out to me desperately looking for answers, then be so vocally gracious of my support for them too.
After such a successful initial run, I put a pause on the program for a few years. But as of 2024, I am back up and running! Each package contains fidget toys, hair accessories, a small teddy bear, handmade bracelet than can double as a fidget, and a copy of my book, A Trichy Situation, which explains trichotillomania in kid friendly, easy to understand language. There is no cost to sign up and the program is free to participants.
My goal for this program is to be a glimmer of light for young girls struggling like I once was. I aim to foster their confidence and self-love. Knowing you're not alone and having someone in your corner who not only cares for you, but also shares an understanding of the path you're on, is life affirming. My ultimate driving force of this all is the hope of being who I needed and wanted when I was younger.
Sign up for Trichster Sisters below!
Sign Up
If you have a daughter with trichotillomania who would like to receive a care package from a big sister who understands, please fill out the form below.
*Only open to the USA at this time*
*Only open to the USA at this time*
Donate
Trichster Sisters relies on donations in order to help as many girls as possible. Please consider donating to help keep Trichster Sisters running. Thank you for your support!