The Walk Ends. The Journey Doesn’t.

Last month, Tyrone McClain, Senior Director, Public Affairs, US Inflammation and Immunology & Hospital, had the privilege of representing Pfizer and delivering remarks at the National Alopecia Areata Foundation Walk for Alopecia Areata kickoff as part of our role as National Presenting Sponsor. Below, he reflects on the event.

Each year, I’m deeply honored to see Pfizer continue its commitment as the National Presenting Sponsor of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) Walk for Alopecia Areata™. This year, as the NAAF 40th Annual Conference wrapped up, I had the privilege to stand alongside this amazing community and share a piece of my own story at the kickoff luncheon for this year’s Walk.

Pfizer’s longstanding partnership with NAAF is part of our ongoing efforts to bring awareness and support to the alopecia areata community. In addition to offering patient support and education, Pfizer collaborates with NAAF on state and federal legislative initiatives to ensure patients have access to the care and treatment they need. I am proud of our commitment to the AA community, and events like these showcase the positive impact we can achieve together.

It felt electric to deliver Pfizer’s remarks for this year’s Walk, but what lingered with me were the quiet conversations and unexpected moments that followed.

I met families attending the NAAF Annual Conference for the very first time. There were parents still navigating the complex emotions that come with watching their child face an autoimmune condition, and kids who long to be seen and understood, displaying courage most of us are never called upon to summon.

One parent said to me, “We didn’t even know a space like this existed.”  It made me pause and reflect.

It was a powerful reminder that advocacy is about more than raising awareness – it’s about building spaces where people feel they belong, where their stories are heard, and their experiences matter. It’s about community. It’s also about understanding that alopecia areata is not just about hair – it’s an autoimmune condition that can affect identity, confidence, and emotional well-being.

It’s easy to say, “Let’s do something about alopecia areata,” but the real work is in keeping that energy alive. I had to ask myself: “What does meaningful action look like when the event is over?” For me, it means continuing to listen and learn from the community’s lived experiences and using my platform to amplify their voices.

It also means bringing these stories back to Pfizer to remind us that putting patients first is not just a slogan, it’s a responsibility we carry every day.

The NAAF National Walk for Alopecia Areata is taking place on Saturday, September 27, with official walk sites in Philadelphia and San Francisco. It’s a chance to show up, learn, and walk in solidarity with this incredible community.

If you’re interested in participating or want to learn how you can help, click here.

And to the families and advocates I met, thank you for sharing your stories with me. They will continue to shape how I show up moving forward.