ABOUT OUR FOUNDATION
“This Is Me” was created with a hope to raise awareness about alopecia and to help any individual dealing with an insecurity, big or small.
Company Overview
Lauren & Caitlin Brady were each diagnosed with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes hairloss) while in high school. It was often a struggle to deal with, but they always remained as positive as they could- yet never spoke too publicly about it.
In January 2011, after watching Miss Delware 2010, Kayla Martell, take her wig off on National TV and explain she would compete in the 2011 Miss America pageant wearing a wig, as she too had alopecia, Lauren & Cait knew they needed to do SOMETHING to inspire others just as Kayla had done for them. Just 3 weeks later, on February 12, 2011 “This Is Me” was born as a two and a half minute YouTube PSA. The video was created to not only raise awareness about alopecia, but to try and inspire ANYONE who faces ANY insecurity.
In January 2012, the Brady sisters began giving scholarships as part of “This Is Me.” These college scholarships are awarded to local high school seniors enrolled in college who have displayed leadership skills while having faced adversity of any kind or helped others through adversity.
“The scholarships are presented in honor of our dear friends Ryan Risco & Cait Chivonne Polhill who left this world far too soon, but forever instilled in us their support and kindness as we faced our own adversity. We face each day with them in mind and use their legacies to inspire us to help 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
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.