Local family publishes book based on daughter’s journey with alopecia

By Shaun McInnish, Sr., City Beat Writer, Pelahatchie News

Pelahatchie residents Christina and Shaun McInnish have turned a very personal journey into a published children’s story that is already inspiring readers well beyond their hometown. The couple recently released The Mystery of Magical Hats: Making Alopecia Magical, One Hat at a Time on Amazon, a fairytale inspired by their 8-year-old daughter, Taylor, who has alopecia.

Taylor, a current third-grade student at Pelahatchie Elementary School, has faced alopecia—an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss—as part of her childhood experience. While the condition can be difficult for children to understand, Christina wanted to put a positive, imaginative spin on it—something that could encourage not only Taylor, but also other children who may feel different.

“I wanted Taylor to see her story not as a limitation, but as something magical,” Christina said. “This book is about showing kids that their differences can be celebrated and even turned into strengths.”

Christina wrote the story as a whimsical fairytale, while her husband Shaun provided the illustrations that bring the magical hats and characters to life. The teamwork made the project a true family effort, with Taylor’s journey at the center of it all.

The release of the book also comes at a meaningful time. September is Alopecia Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about alopecia, supporting individuals and families affected, and advocating for research and treatment options. The McInnishes hope their book will play a small role in spreading awareness and understanding.

For more information and resources about alopecia, visit the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) at www.naaf.org. Those inspired by Taylor’s story can also support children experiencing hair loss by donating hair or giving to groups such as Locks of Love (www.locksoflove.org), Children With Hair Loss (childrenwithhairloss.org), and Wigs for Kids (www.wigsforkids.org).

The Mystery of Magical Hats: Making Alopecia Magical, One Hat at a Time is now available for purchase on Amazon. Christina and Shaun McInnish hope the book will spark conversations about acceptance, resilience, and the magic that comes from embracing what makes each child unique.