News Release #7 Pictures, Biographies & Backgrounders Available Upon Request
Hundreds of People Will Attend the 26th Annual National Alopecia Areata Foundation Conference in Los Angeles
Newswise — SAN RAFAEL - May 23, 2011 - On Thursday, June 23rd, 2011, the 26th Annual International Alopecia Areata Conference will begin at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California. In the three days that follow, nearly 1,000 individuals affected by alopecia areata will be present to learn about the disease and share their experiences with others.
This popular conference is dedicated to using several approaches to support people of all ages who have alopecia areata or care about someone who does. Attendees of the 26th Annual International Alopecia Areata Conference will benefit from listening to updates on the latest medical and research news; receiving information on helpful products; having stimulating discussions and the exchange of ideas, support, and advice; having the opportunity to make personal connections; and having the chance to be themselves in a warm and caring environment.
In addition to the full program, highlights of this year’s conference will include an appearance by Kayla Martell, Miss Delaware, who has alopecia areata, and whose platform for the January 2011 Miss America Pageant was the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). The National Alopecia Areata Foundation will also be hosting the Tortoise & Hair Walk™ in the Westfield Century City Shopping Center across the street from the hotel. Over 500 individuals are expected to participate in this event which will take place on Saturday morning at 7:30am. Other notable events include Shop NBC On-Air Host Allison Waggoner highlighting the general sessions as a guest speaker, and the Inaugural True You Expo, where products and how-to expos will coincide with a fundraising silent auction.
Previous conference highlights have included visits from NAAF Spokesperson and NBA Player Charlie Villanueva, as well as actor Barry Corbin. Both of whom, have dealt with some form of the autoimmune disease.
Alopecia (AL-OH-PEE-SHA) areata (AIR-EE-AH-TAH) is the most common autoimmune disease that may result in total or partial loss of scalp and body hair. Affecting over 5 million Americans, alopecia areata currently has no cure, and no treatment that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It occurs in both sexes and all races and ages, but young people are affected most often. Alopecia areata usually starts with one or more small, round patches on the scalp. In some people, the condition spreads until all of the hair on the scalp is lost (alopecia totalis) or even over the entire body, including the eyebrows and eyelashes (alopecia universalis).
The National Alopecia Areata Foundation, headquartered in San Rafael, CA, supports those with alopecia areata, supports research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for the disease, and educates the public about alopecia areata. NAAF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and has a prestigious Scientific Advisory Council. Founded in 1981, NAAF is widely regarded as the largest, most influential, and most representative foundation associated with alopecia areata.
We look forward to sharing the excitement of the 26th Annual NAAF Conference with the 1,000 individuals expected to attend June 23rd-26th at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. To learn more about this event, alopecia areata, or to schedule an interview with one of our speakers, please contact the National Alopecia Areata Foundation office at 415-472-3780 in San Rafael, CA or visit the NAAF website at www.naaf.org.
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