A brave teenager is facing up to a difficult health diagnosis with strength of character beyond her years.
Olivia Young, described as an “amazing, courageous 13-year-old girl”, discovered she had alopecia in May.
The loss of her hair has been quick, despite trying treatments to attempt to halt it.
“When I really got into my thoughts about this situation, I thought about how many other people might be struggling to even get out of bed with alopecia or an autoimmune disease,” says Olivia, who is known as Liv.
“I thought I should express my story and let people know you will have the days you might feel ugly, or you feel like you don’t fit in.
“Hair is such a big thing for so many people and it was for me. Trust me, no matter the way people look, if they have hair or not it’s what’s on the inside that really counts.”
An online Givealittle page, set up by Shannon Ellison, reads: “Although Olivia absolutely rocks no locks, like any 13-year-old girl, she has had to put on a brave face and endure what most never have to.”
The Givealittle page is asking for donations to assist the Young family purchase a wig of human hair and to support with ongoing medical and wellness costs.
“Alongside her amazing family’s support and her fabulous friends, we’re wanting to raise funds to help Liv cover the expenses for her journey to live Liv’s best life while conquering alopecia.”
Liv says the diagnosis “came as a huge shock”.
“It started with one little patch that I could see. It wasn’t until we went to the doctor that we noticed there were several patches.
“I realised I was losing my hair rapidly. I was more than hurt finding out. For my family, it definitely came as a big shock,” says Liv.
“It was a hard thing for them to deal with and especially for me thinking this could be possibly the last time I have my natural hair.”
The Macleans College student decided to get a wig when she had a mullet hairdo and a quarter of her head with hair remaining.
The Young family and Liv researched where to find “comfortable and affordable real hair wigs”, she says, discovering Freedom Hair in Dunedin.
“That’s where I met an amazing family that showed heaps of support to us all, advised me the cost, how they’re made and should be worn,” Liv says.
“There’s a very long wait to get a wig from somewhere that’s a very high-quality place and makes wigs exactly to fit your head, from six months to two years.”
The Youngs have also been to Hair Creations in Eden Terrace, Auckland, where they bought a lace wig Liv now wears.
“I always just say to myself, ‘whatever happens happens’. I have to live every day like it might be my last, so I always try and be very inspirational.”
Liv feels the power of a supportive community around her.
“I felt very alone when I found out about my alopecia. Now I feel so supported and loved,” she says.
“I never realised how many people were there for me until it came out online. Words can’t even express how grateful I am for all this love.
“I’m very grateful for every donation, kind comment and hug. I couldn’t have done it without the people who have shown me love and sent me donations to help find my way on this journey.
“My family, friends, school, club and community have been amazing. I’d also like to give a big thank-you to Shannon for starting my Givealittle page.”
Liv’s mum Joanne Young says there’s a government subsidy of $1200 for under 18-year-olds which can be claimed every three years.
“While helpful, it’s a drop in the bucket considering the lace wig was $3500 and the Freedom Wig will be around $6000.
“Being human hair, they only have two to four years of use before needing to buy another,” says Joanne.
To donate to the fundraising for Liv Young, go to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/alopecia-olivia-youngs-journey-for-rocking
