The Trichnic

(Southern California Trich Picnic)

My name is Chris Johnson. I am a 32 year old, single, professional woman living in Los Angeles, California. I have had trich (scalp puller) for over half of my life and in the two years, I have finally looked the trich monster in the eye.

I got on the Fairlite bullentin board and met many wonderful people. Because of the BB, I am 7 months PULL FREE. During my "remission" or "recovery", I decided it was time to meet other trichsters. A support group was too much commitment for me. Since Southern California is so big and I was finding out there were a lot of trichsters here, I thought it would be a great idea for us
to all get together for a picnic or something.

I posted on the BB if anyone was interested to contact me... I heard from at least 6 people immediately. I advertised on the AOL chats (via Sandi & Beth) and more people contacted me.

Then next thing to do was to see when people are available. I got a calendar
from everyone and went from there...

The place was next. I had heard from people up to 150 miles away from LA so I again took a census to see where everyone lived... I felt a public park was a good setting. I chose Greystone Park in Beverly Hills.

I haven't planned a party since my college days so I just old everyone what to bring foodwise, etc. Since you are dealing with people via internet and not by phone, it just seemed easier... We all brought our own drinks, pictures of ourselves (past & present) and cameras.

The day came and it was very nerve racking to say the least. The first time one meets another "delared" trichster is extremely emotional. Not like you go around crying the day before or anything, but it is a feeling that is hard to describe.

When I first arrived at the Park, I put a sign on my car TTM. I put down table cloths and some other knick knacks. Slowly everyone arrived...

We spent the afternoon talking about "trich". When we first discovered we had it, how we found out, etc. Everyone's story was the same yet different.

It was a fantastic experience.

For Sandi's description of the trichnic, click here!

Please click on the thumbnail to see a larger pic, but be patient for it to open up then, as they are quite big.  But it is worth while waiting for!