In an article published in People, 32-year-old running coach and writer Lindsay Walter detailed her experiences living with alopecia and how she responded to a recent negative comment on social media. After finishing her 52nd marathon and posting the feat to social media alongside a photo of her running, Ms. Walter explained that she received an insulting message that read “You look like a sick, ugly man.” The comment left her feeling triggered. Diagnosed with alopecia at the age of 2, Ms. Walter noted that she had been bullied throughout her childhood and has long struggled with self-acceptance and self-confidence. She wore a wig at school, at various sporting events, and for her first few years of marathon running. However, in 2016, she ran her first race without a wig—and hasn’t worn one since. “Living my life wig-free, I feel the most like me. I feel the most confident without it,” Ms. Walter emphasized. Having initially taken down the photo that received the hateful comment, she reposted it later—highlighting that she was proud of her accomplishments and was going to continue fighting the negativity. Ms. Walter hopes that her message can empower others living with alopecia to find self-acceptance and positivity. She recently launched the Lindsay’s Little Pals program to help support young individuals with the condition. “Alopecia happened to me, and I spent many years feeling so sad and isolated, and now I’ve turned it into a positive thing. Now, it really has transpired into this incredible blessing,” she concluded.