By Sarah Swirsky, MSW, LISW
Roots and Resilience is a series celebrating artists whose stories reveal how music can help us overcome adversity, embrace vulnerability, and transform life’s challenges into creative expression.
Did you know Grammy-winning guitarist and songwriter Molly Tuttle has lived with alopecia universalis since she was just three years old? Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss—and in Molly’s case, it led to the total loss of hair on her head and body. Her journey is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of embracing what makes us different.
As a child, Molly wore hats and wigs to avoid the stares her condition attracted, but hiding only deepened her fear of being truly seen. Music became her refuge—a place where she could express what words could not. Everything changed when she performed without a wig at an alopecia conference, a terrifying but liberating moment met with warmth and acceptance.
Since then, she has embraced visibility and advocates for others, partnering with the National Alopecia Areata Foundation to share her story and raise awareness. Molly’s artistry and technical mastery have earned her national recognition. She made history as the first woman ever named International Bluegrass Music Association’s Guitar Player of the Year, winning the title in both 2017 and 2018. Her album Crooked Tree earned the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, along with multiple IBMA honors, including Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Female Vocalist of the Year.
Her Grammy-winning album Crooked Tree reflects her message: a celebration of uniqueness and an invitation to embrace the qualities that make us different. Molly’s music turns vulnerability into beauty, proving that our imperfections are not flaws to hide but truths to honor. Her songs remind us that when we allow ourselves to be fully seen—messy, human, and real—we create connection and meaning that lasts.
The Summit FM is proud to announce the tenth anniversary of its broadcast partnership with Struthers City Schools.
To celebrate, as part of the Marilyn Stroud Music Alive Program, 12 instruments were delivered for music students who cannot afford to purchase one. (If you have an instrument you would like to donate, visit our Music Alive page.)
The Summit FM also announced The Dennis Spisak Attitude for Gratitude Scholarship in partnership with the Struthers City Schools Class of 2023. This scholarship fund was created exclusively for Struthers City School seniors preparing to attend college in the fall. The fund recognizes those who have overcome obstacles that may have prevented them from fully realizing their healthy potential. This new scholarship will be given to one deserving Struthers High School senior. Lawrence Johnson, Struthers class of ’81 and loyal Summit FM member is the first donor to the fund. “I am thrilled to contribute to independent public radio and my alma mater,” Johnson said.
Donations to the scholarship can be made directly to the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.