Local author's story of 'Alisha and Alopecia' teaches about the disease

Eighteen year-old Ally Salerno, who is battling alopecia areata, recently released a children's book that teaches youth about alopecia and normalizes the hair-loss disease. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair to fall out, typically in clumps in the size and shape of a quarter. Alopecia areata affects up to one in every 1,000 people nationwide. There is no cure for the condition, which means there are chances in which ones' hair will never grow back. Alopecia affects people in different ways. There are cases where the hair can grow back and there are different forms of treatment that increase hair growth. While Salerno has battled the disease for a number of years, her hair loss started at the end of March and resulted in her becoming about 60 percent bald, according to Salerno. In September, Salerno began working on her book. The book's goal is "to teach young people suffering from this condition that what they are going through is normal." When she first experienced alopecia at age 10, Salerno said, she felt like she "didn't fit in". Salerno said that this book would have given her guidance to be herself, and "accept her difference in a positive way." The children's book is an informative journey of a little girl named Alisha and her journey in coping with alopecia areata. Salerno also created the book's illustrations and rhymes. "A lot of the ideas came naturally," Salerno said, by reflecting on the emotions she experienced as a child. A common theme of Alisha's story correlates with Salerno's motto of "Rise up, speak up and stand out." "With alopecia, you naturally stand out," said Salerno. "People become curious when they see bald spots. It's a unique difference that I am proud to have. I gained courage to speak out on a topic that held me back. I hope others can gain courage and confidence to share their own stories." Thanks to her fundraiser in which she sold alopecia awareness bracelets, Salerno has brought her dream to reality by publishing her book, "Alisha and Alopecia." Selling the bracelets, Salerno raised more than $1000, $100 of which she has given directly to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Salerno plans on donating more through the book sales. Her goal is to sell at least one copy to someone in every state because, according to the young author, "That way I know my book has touched many lives all over the country." "Alisha and Alopecia"is available at Learning Express, 2030 Douglas Blvd., Roseville. "Alisha and Alopecia" sells for $10 per copy and can be mailed for an additional $5. Or visit Salerno's Instagram page at @allysa Get your copy of "Alisha and Alopecia" written by alopecia sufferer Ally Salerno. Books are sold at Learning Express, 2030 Douglas Blvd., Roseville and online at Salerno's Instagram page, @allysalerno. Courtesy of the Salerno Family lerno and click on the link in her bio to buy online.