MPDC Talks to Delena Smith, Author of "The Girl From Orchard Park with Alopecia"

Orchard Gardens native returns home to share her story of triumph.

It was truly a pleasure to sit down with Delena Smith, author of "The Girl From Orchard Park with Alopecia: Based on a True Story", to discuss her story and upcoming book signing at Hibernian Hall on Wednesday, September 26, 2012.  Smith demonstrated a palpable sense of confidence during the interview and it was inspiring to hear about how she overcame being bullied as a child who suffered from alopecia, an autoimmune skin disease which causes hair loss on the scalp and body.  Let's learn more about Delena Smith and how she is using her new book to raise awareness about alopecia and bullying in the community.

MPDC: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the book.  Tell us more about "The Girl From Orchard Park with Alopecia"?  

Delena Smith:  It was important for me to be able to tell my story about growing up with alopecia and being bullied because it is a real problem that many people in our community are facing today.  Also, there was a need to dispel the myths around alopecia that are spread within our community due to miseducation of the disease.  I want others who have the disease to know that you don't have to be ashamed.  I hope my book can provide inspiration to all.

MPDC: Can you talk more about what alopecia is?

Delena Smith: Alopecia is a disease that causes the hair follicles on your scalp and body to fall out.  In many instances your hair will not grow back causing permanent baldness.  Causes of alopecia are unknown.

MPDC: How long did it take you to write the book?

Delena Smith:  The process of writing the book took six months.  

MPDC: What advice would you offer to parents who deal with issues around bullying?

Delena Smith: I would encourage parents to be supportive and aware of everything that is going on with their child at ALL TIMES.  Often times, kids are bullied and keep the abuse to themselves because they don't feel comfortable sharing the problem out of fear.  Let your kids know you are always there if they need to talk.  Also, seek out support groups within the schools or community that help people advocate against bullying.

MPDC: What can people who come to your book signing expect?

Delena Smith: I am very excited about the book signing event and grateful to MPDC for the opportunity to share this moment with the community.  I hope that the event will be a chance to inspire, educate, and celebrate!  I am looking forward to it.

MPDC: Thank you for taking the time to sit with us.

Delena Smith: Thank you!  

Delena's book is available for purchase on Amazon.com and Goindiebooks.com.  Click here to learn more about the upcoming book signing event.