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The Sunday Series (75), with Mark Brodinsky

July 19, 2015 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But the reality beneath what we behold, might not be what we expect.  Sometimes the delicate lines of a pretty face mask a fragile existence, spent facing tough challenges and a road less traveled.

Quite frequently what we see with our eyes only touches the surface of someone’s soul, because everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


The Sunday Series 75: More Than Skin Deep

She is the reigning Ms. Maryland Exquisite for 2015. Meet Jamella White.

jamella pageant

Beautiful on the outside, Jamella is proving to be as equally as lovely on the inside. After all, to attract others you must live as an attractive person, and you do that from the inside out.

Jamella has launched a company called Beautiful and Living Daily, an appropriate name, since Jamella hasn’t always felt as beautiful as she looks.

“I was about six years old when it started”, says Jamella. “I was diagnosed with alopecia areata. What it meant was I would lose my hair in small patches. First it was random bald spots popping up in different areas, about the size of a quarter. They got bigger and bigger as time went on. Eventually my mom took me to see a dermatologist and I was getting steroid injections, but it wasn’t working. We looked into natural healing methods but nothing was taking. My mom would try to style my hair over the bald areas, but I eventually lost my hair completely and started wearing wigs.”

jamella with wig

Alopecia areata is a prevalent autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. Hair can grow back in or fall out again at any time, and the disease course is different for each person. Jamella says different creams have been created, steroid injections and even holistic treatments that help with growing back the hair follicle, but sometimes it is completely damaged because all of it is internal.

For Jamella, the complete loss of her hair was tough, especially at such a tender age, but wearing the wigs was tougher. “At the time my hair completely fell out in the second grade I started wearing the wigs…and wigs back in the 80’s were not as nice as the ones they have now. I had a tough time in school, swimming or playing certain sports. I was active but would refrain from interacting with other kids, worried about them pulling my hair and my wig falling off.

“Some people did make fun, because the wigs were an old-fashioned design. The hair was short and I had a few kids who would try to pull on it, or touch it to see if it was real or not and then attempt to pull it off. I had to wear a swim cap if I went swimming, the kind with the strap underneath to keep my hair secure. It was hot and I would sweat from the wig and the cap and I realized the chlorine sometimes damaged my wig because I had to keep it on while I swam. Even in other sports I would play for only a short period of time, as soon as I started to sweat I didn’t want my wig to fall off.”

Eventually by age 12 Jamella’s hair was back. “It was fine”, she says. “I didn’t have any baldness or any hair falling out…until I turned 25 and found a quarter-size bald spot. At first I thought it was just stress. I was in college taking a lot of courses, and working three jobs as well. A few weeks later I saw another spot. I knew there was a possibility the alopecia was returning so I went to a doctor and got steroid treatments to my scalp. In every area he would give me an injection the hair would grow back, but then fall out in a different area. The doctor said no more treatments, lets see if the hair will completely fall out again.”

It did.

“I still have alopecia”, says Jamella, now age 31. “But it didn’t affect me at age 25 as it did when I was six. I’ve learned to cope with it, still build my self-confidence and engage in all activities. Currently some hair does grow back, but I still have bald patches as well. Despite that I have done some modeling and promotional work.”

jamella and friend

And just this past May Jamella was crowned Ms. Exquisite Maryland. But for Jamella, it is of the utmost importance for her inner beauty to match her outer appearance.

That’s why she has started Beautiful and Living Daily, (https://www.facebook.com/beautifulandlivingdaily). Jamella says she launched the organization because she started coming across a lot of people who had the same diagnosis as she has and have had trouble coping. She says, “in the 80’s it was a rare disease, and not much research on it. But now there’s a lot more information and awareness and a lot of people being diagnosed with it and I wanted to start this organization to help other people cope.”

dont need hair beautiful business cards

Beautiful and Living Daily, LLC provides services for people who suffer from hair loss for any reason, alopecia, cancer, diabetes, even stress. There is fitness and nutrition education, beauty makeovers, and hair pieces donated to people who cannot afford them.

“So basically my mission is to build confidence and self-esteem for any individual who suffers hair loss and build it as a family support system”, says Jamella. “You have your doctors and your family, but you don’t always have other people going through it to talk to. We also offer support group therapy as well.”

Jamella, beautiful and living with hair loss daily – knows what its like first-hand from the time she exits her home each day: “I know I need to choose to really focus, once I leave my house, when I am wearing my wig. Do others know it is a wig? Is my wig crooked? Do they think I have cancer? Many people do, because they don’t realize there are other illnesses which can cause hair loss. People ask if I’m sick or dying. I have alopecia, I’m not dying. I just lose hair in patches, sometimes it grows back, sometimes it doesn’t.”

“The struggle is wondering how other people see or view you. Do they think you are contagious, or have some type of disease that is going to kill you? Doesn’t matter to me anymore, it used to. I accept who I am and if my hair falls out its OK. Learn to accept it, it’s part of me.”

Jamella continues, “but I also know another struggle I had when I had my daughter. I was in fear she might have alopecia at some point in her life. It can skip generations, but it all really depends.” So far Jamella’s daughter, now 4 years of age, shows no signs of the illness.

jamella and daughter

Jamella’s ultimate goal is to take Beautiful and Living Daily and make it a nationwide organization to bring awareness about alopecia and hair loss for whatever reason, and make other people feel better about their situation. “I want people to embrace their beauty and feel comfortable with themselves”, she says.

“What I’ve learned from all of this is to love yourself. Always love yourself. Embrace everything you are going through and don’t worry so much and consume yourself in what other people think of you because it will hold you back with what you could be doing in life. Even with my condition, the things I could accomplish should serve as an example: getting into modeling pageants and owning my own business. You should embrace the opportunity to do different things and let people know you can do it too and never think that it’s not possible.”

Possibility thinking – seeing beyond convention or conditioning and focusing on what you want in life. Jamella White is taking this to heart. Faced with a life-long challenge, an ever-present obstacle, she has found a way to use her journey to help other people. She is teaching others to overcome and show them that beauty is more than skin deep.

jamella b and w

Until next time, thanks for taking the time

Mark

(For more information on Alopecia and hair loss visit: https://www.naaf.org/  And you can learn more about Beautiful and Living Daily, LLC @ https://www.facebook.com/beautifulandlivingdaily)

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Speaker, Speech Writer, Emmy Winner, USHEALTH Advisors
(http://www.ushagent.com/markbrodinsky)

Author: The #1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.spouses-story.com/)

For ideas, or feedback (always welcome) on The Sunday Series, leave a comment on the blog, reach out on social media or e-mail: markbrodinsky@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

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Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

Ever thought about writing a book? check this out!

Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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It’s that time of year, for reflection and for future planning. The time we all look to the new year and wonder what it will bring – the same, better, or worse – the latter being the one to ignore, because it’s not worth thinking about – if you do so then you close your […]

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