Vitiligo Bond

My Background-I always had the Vitiligo gene,it is in my family, I noticed the first spot at age 6. I called my mother in the bathroom, my private area had white patches on it,she looked at it and laughed,that was when she told me,what it was and explained that my father had it,also. Through the years, I would get patches here and there but nothing major. But in 2010, I fell and broke both my ankles. I was unable to work and take care of myself and my family(single mother). The stress of all that triggered the Vitiligo gene and my skin started to change. Imagine being on color for 42 years then your skin starts to change. I have been questioned about being burned, stared it,whispered about. My local paper did an article about me, it is posted on my Facebook account. At one point my skin turned 100% white,now the color is coming back in my face,the doctors have said, it is due to the sun rays. My doctors are giving me medication that is suppose to turn my skin one color(white)in my face but it is not working������. So that is my story, I choose to embrace my condition.

I have vitiligo and have been a member of Vitiligo Bond for several years. My Vitiligo was diagnosed when I was 33 years old. I had lost ALL pigment within 3 short years. When I contacted Natasha, the CEO of Vitiligo Bond, I had already lost all my pigment. She played a big part in helping me to learn how to embrace my viiligo and provided a safe environment for me to talk and socialize with others. The activities provided for members by Natasha are priceless. I always look forward to each event. She gives personal attention to all situations including being an advocate at schools to help children with vitiligo. I understand how needed this is because I taught for 20 years in Fulton County Georgia. I recently self published a book about my journey with vitiligo. I was a darker skinned African American woman when vitiligo started with small white spots on my hands. Within 3-4 short years I had lost all pigment. Natasha was so instrumental in helping me tell my story. She provided opportunities for me to help bring awareness through a radio interview on 104.1 Monica Pearson show and also a television spot on WSBTV People 2 People. Through Vitiligo Bond, she has provided opportunities for children also to bring awareness through media. She facilitated an opportunity for a child with vitiligo to appear on a girl scout cookie box. This little girl has represented well and benefited from Natasha's advocacy in schools to fight bullying. Natasha provides so many services to those of us with vitiligo and our families. Her organization is the only avenue many of us have to be heard. Last but not least she has been instrumental in facilitating legislation to bring awareness and encourage research for vitiligo.