Ashton
by Janet

In May of 2003 Ashton got what looked like a rash on the back of her left leg. Within three days Ashton had lost most of her color on that leg. We went to a dermatologist and they told us Ashton had Vitiligo and there was nothing we could do about it. Since it was on one leg Ashton stopped wearing shorts to school, then switched to wearing pants all the time. She did not want anyone to know. We live in Florida and during the summer everyone wears shorts.

In May of 2004 Ashton was watching TV at her Nana's and she saw a commercial on Brighthouse for the AVRF about Vitiligo. She was so excited to see kids just like her. We called and were able to go to their 10th year seminar. We got to meet a lot of the kids she had seen on the commercial and we learned so much about Vitiligo. We learned Ashton's Vitiligo was segmental, which means it will remain on the one side. We learned of new dermatologists in our area that work with a lot of Vitiligo patients. The info we learned at the AVRF seminar was invaluable.

We have been very active with the AVRF in trying to bring awareness to Vitiligo. We have gone to the Capital in Tallahassee, Florida . We gave out bracelets with the words "Embracing Diversity" and the AVRF website on them and the calendars AVRF puts out every year. All the kids enjoyed that trip and Stella and Shelby got to meet Governor Bush.

AVRF has helped Ashton so much. Meeting other kids with Vitiligo and knowing she is not alone. Her confidence is so much better now. Ashton has started 7th grade and she has joined the volleyball team and wearing the uniform shorts does not bother her at all. She has given all the girls on her team the "Embracing Diversity" bracelets. She wears Vitiligo proudly now. I can never say THANK YOU to AVRF enough for what we have learned and the support you give all the children with Vitiligo.

I think with the knowledge and support she has obtained from the AVRF and her family, my daughter has become a confident, loving and caring young lady. Thank you AVRF!

With the help of children like Ashton and their families one-day AVRF will find a cure!

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