UPCOMING EVENT
ABOUT OUR FOUNDATION
This Is Me Foundation, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization that raises awareness about alopecia while giving hope to any individual facing adversity.
Company Overview
Lauren and Caitlin Brady were each diagnosed with alopecia areata—an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss—while in high school. Although the diagnosis was challenging, they remained as positive as possible, yet rarely spoke about it publicly.
In January 2011, inspired by Miss Delaware 2010, Kayla Martell, who removed her wig on national TV and shared her journey of competing in the 2011 Miss America pageant with alopecia, Lauren and Caitlin felt compelled to take action. Kayla’s bravery ignited their desire to inspire others facing similar struggles.
Just three weeks later, on February 12, 2011, “This Is Me” was born with a two-and-a-half-minute YouTube PSA aimed at raising awareness about alopecia and inspiring anyone facing adversity.
By January 2012, after the tragic loss of two dear friends, the Brady sisters expanded their mission by launching the This Is Me Scholarship in honor of their friends, Ryan Risco and Cait Chivonne Polhill. These college scholarships are awarded to local high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership and resilience while overcoming adversity, or who have supported others through challenging times.
In 2013, the This Is Me Scholarship, Inspired by Ryan Risco & Cait Chivonne Polhill, extended nationally to provide scholarships to high school seniors across the United States who have or have had alopecia. This remains the only scholarship of its kind in North America.
Since its founding, the This Is Me Foundation has awarded 143 scholarships to remarkable individuals who exemplify the mission of the foundation and continue to inspire others.
BE PROUD. I AM!
ALL OVER THE WORLD
STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
In May of this year I was putting my 4 year old to bed and my 12 year old son, Casey walked in the room.
Casey’s Story
My father and I both were diagnosed with alopecia when I was 13 years old. He found a small spot on his face and chalked it up to shaving too close. Then he got another on his face and
Ashley’s Story
Alopecia Awareness is important to me because Alopecians are one of the most special kinds of people in the world.
A Father’s Prospective
THIS IS ME NEWS
PRESS
3/1/21 – Difference Makers: Peekskill sisters with alopecia hope to inspire and support others facing adversity
12/31/18 – Annual Peekskill Polar Plunge in Hudson New Year’s Day
The annual Polar Plunge to benefit the This Is Me Foundation will kick off 2019 at noon sharp New Year’s Day on the shore of the Hudson River at Riverfront Green in Peekskill.
1/18/17 – Taking the Plunge, for a Good Cause
On any New Year’s Day since 2013, if you happened to be at Riverfront Green in Peekskill, looking toward the Hudson River, you might think you hadn’t fully recovered from the prior evening’s festivities and were hallucinating.
1/1/16 – Polar Plunges in Peekskill
Swimmers spent New Year’s Day plunging into frigid water in both Rye and Peekskill on Friday to raise money for charity.
1/1/14 – Polar Plunge In Peekskill Supports This Is Me Foundation
More than 30 people are expected to brave the cold to jump in the Hudson River. The event begins at 1 p.m. at Riverfront Park in Peekskill. The event is open to the public.
7/1/13 – This Is Me Foundation recognizes students overcoming adversity
In 2012, the This is Me Foundation awarded its first college scholarships to two Peekskill High School graduating seniors
2013 – I’m an Everygirl… and I Have Alopecia
I remember feeling sad each day in high school when people—well actually even worse, friends—pointed out how easily you could see my scalp.
6/22/12 – Brady Sisters ‘This is Me Scholarships’ Inspired by Risco and Polhill.
Lauren and Caitlin Brady started a scholarship inspired by their friends, who helped them accept living with alopecia.
6/21/11 – Brady Sisters Create Hit Awareness Video, “This Is Me”
Peekskill’s Lauren and Caitlin Brady’s video to raise awareness for alopecia and to address the importance of self confidence and self appreciation earned almost 3,000 YouTube hits in one week.