2 September 2024

As Alopecia Awareness Month unfolds, Maverick Magazine’s Bea Sumner opens up about her journey with the condition, while country star Molly Tuttle serves as an inspiring figure of confidence and resilience. September is Alopecia Awareness Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness and understanding of alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. This month not only aims to educate the public but also to support those living with alopecia, encouraging them to embrace their unique journeys. Among those using their voices to highlight the importance of awareness is Bea Sumner, Sales Manager of Maverick Magazine, who lives with the condition herself. Bea Sumner has been an integral part of Maverick Magazine, a leading voice in the country music scene. Despite the challenges that alopecia presents, Sumner has been open about her experiences and is determined to use her platform to support others facing similar struggles. “Alopecia is a hard condition to live with, but it doesn’t have to define you,” she shares. “I was even shocked myself at how much losing my hair affected my self perception, but there is so much strength in embracing who you are, and that’s something I want to help others see.” Sumner finds inspiration in figures like Molly Tuttle, the award-winning musician whose talent and confidence have made waves in the country and bluegrass music scenes. Tuttle, who was diagnosed with alopecia at a young age, has become a symbol of strength and self-acceptance. Known for her masterful guitar playing and soulful songwriting, Tuttle has never shied away from speaking about her condition, choosing instead to embrace her unique appearance. With standout tracks like ‘Take the Journey’ and the Grammy-winning album ‘Crooked Tree’, Tuttle’s success is a testament to the power of authenticity. “Molly Tuttle’s confidence and refusal to let alopecia define her, while still accepting it as a part of who she is are incredibly inspiring,” Sumner remarks. “Seeing someone so talented and successful embracing who they are gives hope to so many people who I know from my own experience can often feel somehow ‘less of a person’ because they’re marked as different by a physical condition.” As a part of this year’s Alopecia Awareness Month, Sumner is actively involved in spreading the word through Maverick Magazine’s platforms, sharing her story and encouraging others to do the same. By highlighting personal experiences, Maverick aims to foster a supportive community where those affected by alopecia can find solace and strength. “Although my own condition seems to (hopefully) be temporary, my experience with alopecia has taught me a lot about resilience,” Sumner reflects. “I’m learning to celebrate my individuality and to find confidence in the things that make me different. That’s a message I hope we can share far and wide, not just this month, but always.” Maverick Magazine’s commitment to raising awareness extends beyond just stories—it’s about creating a dialogue that encourages empathy and understanding. By showcasing individuals like Sumner and Tuttle, who have found confidence in their own skin, Maverick hopes to inspire others to embrace their unique paths. Alopecia Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of self-acceptance and the power of community. Through stories of resilience, like those of Bea Sumner and Molly Tuttle, the message is clear: alopecia is just one part of the journey, not the whole story. And every journey is worth celebrating.   To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com