This Is Me Foundation Inc

This Is Me Foundation, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization that raises awareness about alopecia while giving hope to any individual facing adversity.

Company Overview

Lauren & Caitlin Brady were each diagnosed with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss) 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 Delaware 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 & Caitlin 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 adversity.

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 their dear friends Ryan Risco & Cait Chivonne Polhill left this world far too soon, but forever instilled in them their support and friendship.

As of 2013, the ‘This Is Me Scholarship, Inspired by Ryan Risco & Cait Chivonne Polhill’ also offers scholarships nationally to graduating high school seniors in the United States enrolled in college who have/had alopecia.

Since the launch of the ‘This Is Me Foundation’ a total of 89 scholarships have been presented to those who have been a true inspiration to ‘This Is Me.’