A Celebration for Alopecians in New York

Kara Krupski '25  ~  November/December 2023

People in New York State with alopecia can celebrate as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has co-sponsored S. 1922, a bill mandating insurance coverage for wigs under Medicare. The Alopecia Justice League (AJL) has the goal to pass this bill so people of all ages and backgrounds can get wigs. A lot of people cannot afford wigs on a regular basis because of the large expense. A nice wig can cost anywhere in the $2,000-$8,000 range. With these costs, it is difficult for people to afford wigs. Accepting baldness takes a lot of time, and some people neither have that time nor accept it. People cannot expect children, young adults, or people in their thirties, forties, and even fifties and sixties to accept the way they look. It is scary to go out into the world and be confident with a bald head. The AJL’s goal is to make sure people do not have to feel this way. Living in New York State, it is easy to feel proud knowing that our senator has just shown her support towards all Alopecians. 

Maybe you are now wondering what you can do to help. There is an Alopecia Awareness Club at Nardin Academy where teenagers have the opportunity to learn about this autoimmune disease, fund raise, and get involved with the AJL. The club’s goal is to spread awareness not only within the Nardin Community but the whole Buffalo Community as well. If you are still interested in learning more about the AJL, feel free to check out the website: www.alopeciajusticeleague.com