Alopecia patient creates app to find friends with the same condition as her

“It is our own experiences which are so impactful and to have a friend who had alopecia too meant we could support each other and share the good and bad days. To chat with someone who is going through the same journey as you and so can fully relate really helped me cope with my sudden hair loss. People without alopecia make off-hand comments like ‘it’s just hair’ which can be really frustrating to hear. A couple of years ago, I decided to take off my wig and most days, walking around baring all, I feel liberated but other days I can feel vulnerable like I know a lot of others do too which is what pushed me to create the app. On the days when it’s too much to go outside and have people staring, I wanted there to be a place that people can sign onto and instantly talk to others who can offer comfort through experience”, the developer explained.

The app enables its users to search for friends by distance, gender, interest, type of alopecia and whether they are someone with alopecia or a parent. It also allows for parents of children with this condition to find fellow parents to connect with, share experiences and offer support.

Ally was launched in 2018 and is available for iOS and Android, for free.

Nichola created her own social enterprise around this app.

Adapted from: https://bbc.in/2PcbUYS
https://bit.ly/2P6JoI9

More info: https://www.allyapp.org/