National Alopecia Areata Foundation fundraiser

Sparta - On Thursday, September 21, 6-9 PM, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) will be the recipient of funds raised from the NAAF Fundraiser hosted by Mohawk House Restaurant in Sparta. The Randazzo’s are hosting this event in honor of their daughter, Julie (pictured), age 12, who is affected by alopecia areata. NAAF is the world center for those dedicated affected by alopecia areata. Alopecia areata (al-oh-PEE-shah air-ee-AH-tah) is a highly unpredictable, autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. This common but very challenging and capricious disease affects approximately 1.7 percent of the population overall, including more than 5 million people in the United States alone. Due to the fact that much of the public is still not familiar with alopecia areata, the disease can have a profound impact on one’s life and functional status, both at work and at school. The Mohawk House will feature food and music. Guests will include Ms. Vicki Kalabokes, CEO of NAAF; Dr. Angela Christiano, Columbia University Scientific Advisory Council; Lou Dobbs of CNN; members and physicians of Newton Memorial Hospital; members and physicians of North Jersey Emergency Pediatrics Foundation; and representatives from Glaxo Smith Kline, Novartis, and Pfizer Pharmaceutical Companies. Tickets ($25 each) are available by calling Glennis Randazzo (201-213-0636) or at the door. Proceeds from the event are being raised on behalf of NAAF. The Foundation provides reliable publications, a support network of families, education conferences for families, a website, scholarship, a research program, and more. NAAF’s mission is to encourage and fund medical research for better treatment and ultimate cure, provide support and resources for those with the condition, and raise public consciousness of the disease. For more information about alopecia areata or the NAAF Fundraiser, contact Glennis at gkrandazzo@yahoo.com. More information is also available at the NAAF Web site, www.naaf.org.