Frequently Asked Questions
How did you come to terms with your diagnosis of having vitiligo as a child?
As a child I knew my exterior appearance was different from those around me. In my neighborhood everyone played together, went to school together and I don’t remember any name calling or no one wanting to not play with me. My family also would encourage me and would let me know that the person inside of me was beautiful, smart and full of life and love. My family, friends, and the community that I lived in knew me as they saw me, I was who I was and that was it.
How did you navigate your teen years with vitiligo?
As a teenager I didn’t feel any different than the people I was around. I was like any other teenager. I was social with my classmates and teachers. I never felt the need to restrict myself or my activities as a teenager because of my vitiligo. I was involved in school functions and was a cheerleader in high school. My vitiligo had not spread completely over my body but it was visible on my elbows, knees, legs and around my eyes.
How did you see yourself as you got older?
As I got older, I continued to observe my outer self change but my inner self grew stronger as I strived to complete goals that I set for myself. I continued to love myself even more knowing I was unique and capable of doing and completing anything I put my mind to. I graduated from college, had a career I loved and a supportive husband and family. In my older years, after retirement I wanted to become an ambassador for those who have vitiligo and provide encouragement of loving who you are and the skin you’re in. I want to show others that life is what you make of it.
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What was most surprising about having vitiligo?
I don’t think I was ever surprised about having vitiligo. I have had vitiligo since the age of 7. Vitiligo has been my life, my image and the true me! I was surprised as I learned there were others all over the world with this autoimmune disorder and there wasn’t a cure. This encouraged me to research more about vitiligo, its progression and its medical causes.​​
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What has Vitiligo taught you about yourself and others?
Vitiligo has taught me that you are who and what you think you are. Accepting yourself first is important. If you aren’t comfortable with loving yourself not only on the inside but also on the outside how can you expect others to do so. I have learned that people don’t always accept what they see when they see you and can be critical, judgmental, insensitive and at times rude. I feel that sometimes people’s reactions are based on the unknown of seeing someone whose outer covering isn’t the norm.
At what age did you just embrace the depigmentation of your skin?
I think I have always embraced my skin whether it was dark, light, dark and light together, spotted or not spotted my skin has always been a part of me. Having depigmentation as a young child and encouraging words from family made me feel I wasn’t any different from anyone else, just special with a different skin tone.
What does it Mean to EMBRACE yourself completely?
To love every inch of me from the inside to the outside. Love myself from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. Always remembering to focus on the greatness that God has given me with no regrets. Loving myself and the skin I am in!