This Is Me Foundation

From Lauren:

I officially started Olumiant and look forward to sharing my experience and process! Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions etc.

Olumiant (baricitinib) is a prescription Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor that suppresses overactive immune system responses. It is used to treat severe alopecia areata and other autoimmune issues. For more information, see posts on National Alopecia Areata Foundation : https://www.naaf.org/?s=olumiant

Thanks to all those who reached out to tell me more about their own experiences and shared great resources!

A big thank you to our dad and our cousin & Lauren’s godfather, Billy, for representing This Is Me Foundation at yesterday’s HOPE for Youth Foundation - Hudson Valley Golf for Hope outing! We know it was a tough sacrifice to spend a Monday on the golf course😉

We’re proud to support such an incredible organization and the meaningful impact they have on youth throughout our community. Learn more about their mission: hfyf.org

This scholarship application statement submission is from Grace Spieles. Grace is graduating from Van Wert High School in Van Wert, OH and will be attending Ohio Northern University this fall.

Applicants were required to submit a statement about their experiences with alopecia along with a resume & letter of recommendation. We are inspired by every story and hope, by posting, they inspire you!

This scholarship submission is from Ally Bourgeois. Ally is graduating from Saranac High School in Saranac, NY and will be attending University of North Carolina Charlotte this fall.

Applicants were required to submit a statement about their experiences with alopecia along with a resume & letter of recommendation. We are inspired by every story and hope, by posting, they inspire you! See less

Hey, Alopecia friends!

Have you tried Olumiant or Litfulo? Lauren is going to start on one and would love any feedback or details about your experiences. We have done all the medical research etc.

Comment here, message us, or email info@thisismefoundation.

Thanks in advance! ❤

If cost is a barrier to your family attending the 41st Annual NAAF Conference, our Conference Financial Assistance Fund may be able to help. A limited amount of funding is available to assist with:

🎟️Conference registration fees
🏨Lodging expenses

NEW! It may be more affordable to book your flight home for Monday, June 29. If so, you can apply for financial assistance for the extra night stay at the official conference hotel.

Financial assistance does not cover travel costs such as airfare, train tickets, or hotel incidentals.

If you need support to attend, fill out an application form today:
https://ow.ly/RuSz50Z1sqk.

Application deadline is May 26.📅

Don’t miss this opportunity. We would love to see you at the 41st Annual NAAF Conference on June 25-28 in Orlando, FL! ✨

With permission, we will be sharing a few of our 2026 national scholarship winners story submissions ❤

The below was requested to be shared anonymously.

Applicants were required to submit a statement about their experiences with alopecia along with a resume & letter of recommendation. We are inspired by every story and hope, by posting, they inspire you!

2026 National 'This Is Me Scholarship, Inspired by Ryan Risco & Cait Chivonne Polhill' recipient, Grace Spieles!

Grace is graduating from Van Wert High School in Van Wert, OH and will be attending Ohio Northern University this fall.

Pictured is Grace with her high school career counselor, Kerry Koontz

Congratulations, Grace!