Home › Lifestyle › Columnists iDiva Story Tools E-mail this story Print Sometimes I'm amazed at the conversations we have at iDivamemphis.com, and, more than that, the empathy and compassion that you have for each other. That, of course, is what iDivamemphis is meant to be: a community of local women who talk to each other about what's on their minds between meetings, grocery shopping and carpool. We've covered everything from shopping to dating to homework. But it's the Advice Diva category that continues to touch my heart.

When I first started blogging back in March, posted a heartbreaking note there: She'd recently been diagnosed with alopecia areata -- her hair was falling out. "I researched it online and found out it is an autoimmune issue which causes the system to attack the hair follicles, thus causing my hair to fall out. In a week's time, I have developed more patches and an extreme amount of shedding.

Plenty of you responded to Shalonda online, and the conversation has continued all the way through to this week. What has made the biggest impression on me is how much you share of your story, and how supportive of each other you are.

This, posted nearly immediately by , is typical: "Girl, I am 58 years old and have suffered with alopecia since in my 20s! It is scary to say the least -- finding those huge (usually round) bald spots. Mine always seemingly just appear overnight. Each time the hair has grown back, usually within a year." She goes on to recommend various treatments, but finishes: "...hang in there. You are not alone!"

The best news comes from Shalonda herself: "Just wanted to update everyone on my condition. All of my hair has grown back in now. I'm wearing my hair in a cute short style. Thanks for all of the comments and support."

Catch Leanne Kleinmann on WMC FM-100 talking to Ron, Steve and Karen every Thursday morning just after 8 a.m. We talk about what's on the site, in the paper, on your mind. E-mail Leanne at idiva@idivamemphis.com or call 901-529-2535.

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