Carol’s Autoimmune Story

MEET CAROL

My name is Carol Chisolm. I am a singer, songwriter, and musician. I am also a professional teacher certified in math and business education.

 DIAGNOSIS

I started losing my hair after giving birth to my first child. Over the years, it gradually continued to fall out until the top of my head was totally bald. It was so humiliating! I was left to wearing wigs. It devastated so much that I would not allow my husband and kids to see me bald. Not only did I wear wigs outside of the house, but even in the comfort and security of my home. My own family never saw me uncovered.

My prayer has always been that I live in such a way that God will be glorified in my life. In 2018, I felt the unction to “uncover” my self. I asked my family’s opinion and of course, they were very supportive and encouraging but I just couldn’t do it. So I went another year confined to wigs.

In 2019, I had the same unction to uncover myself. Trying to dismiss the thought, I hear a still, small voice say, “How can I get the glory if no one knows your struggle?”. I immediately knew it was the Lord, and I decided I’d better obey this time.

I went to the mirror and begin to shave the hair off the back of my head. After I was done, I said “What have I done?”. Then I put on a full face of make-up, looked at myself in the mirror and laughingly said, ”That’s not bad”.

I went to my piano and just begin to play. I didn’t really understand why I had so much peace about being bald. As I played, it began to rain and the tears began to flow down my cheeks. I was reminded that rain represents refreshing, renewal, and reviving. It’s a washing away of the top soil so that which is underneath can grow. That’s what God had done for me.

On May 2, 2019, I had my “bald reveal”. I call that day my “re-reborn again” day. The day I decided I would not be ashamed any more. because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Some how some way, God will use my alopecia for His glory.

 LIFE CHANGE

Although it was devastating to lose my hair, it has made me a more confident person. I sent my photos to a modeling agency and they chose me for one of their models. I had the opportunity to model in the 3rd Annual Bold Beautiful and Bold Beauty Bazaar to bring awareness to alopecia.

 HEALING

My method of healing is through prayer and music. I know I could not go out in public if it were not for God strengthening. I have even written a song titled “Wonderfully Made”. It’s about my alopecia journey. It is available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The music video is available on my YouTube channel.

 STRUGGLE

Would I love to have a head full of long, beautiful hair? Absolutely!!! When that thought comes to make me sad, I just tell myself that God has a plan and that this is my reality until God gives me a miracle. Until then, I’m going to live my reality out loud.

INSPIRATION

Because I just wanted to give up while I was in hospital and my mum said that sentence and it’s so true! You can achieve so much and everyone who is struggling and still making their way out there is stronger than they think they are❤️

Find Carol | @carolchism_music