Meet the Author

Fringe Benefits was created by Amanda Shannon as a resource for people dealing with the affects of Alopecia Areata.  Alopecia Areata is is a medical condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body, usually from the scalp. Alopecia is a different type of disease. It is not a precursor to a deadly disease, it does not prevent you from walking or running (thank goodness) or participating in daily activities, it does something else entirely. And that is what this blog is all about.

Amanda is a certified elementary teacher, an avid/semi-obsessed runner (marathoner) and a lover of children’s literature and all aspects of childhood.  She is always interested in what is new in health and fitness and  is constantly looking for new ways to help our planet and indulge her green side. Amanda is the Race Director for the Tortoise and Hair™ Pittsburgh 5k run and 2 mile walk to support alopecia areata and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). Amanda is so excited to step foot into the other side of the racing world.

My turtle friend.

Amanda does not allow her struggles with Alopecia to hold her back. Instead, she has decided to use it to create something magnificent. When you’re given lemons, right? Amanda has been a runner for 15 years (since the age of 10)  and uses running as a personal retreat from daily struggles. She also takes an active interest in non-profit organizations such as Girls on the Run, Habitat for Humanity, PETA, Animal Friends, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and (of course) the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Her other passions include baking delicious desserts, singing loudly, dancing for no reason, laughing, yoga, meditation, discovering ways to make delicious vegan meals and baked goods (Amanda maintains a primarily vegan diet) being with her family and her fiance, Anthony, and cuddling her four amazing cats.  At any time of the day, you will likely catch Amanda making extraordinary plans for her future.

Amanda can be reached at afringebenefit@hotmail.com

“Anyone can give up, its the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, thats true strength.” --Unknown