Desiree
by Carolyn

Hello, my name is Carolyn.  I’m the mother of Desiree.  Desiree was diagnosed with Vitiligo in April of 1999.  Her Vitiligo started with one tiny white dot on her finger.   It’s been almost 10 years since Desiree was diagnosed with Vitiligo.  The very first year that Desiree was diagnosed with Vitiligo her daddy had a brain tumor, which had to be removed.  This brought us together as a family.  Although Vitiligo was not life threatening for Desiree, it was very devastating in the beginning.  My husband and I worked on building Desiree’s self-esteem the very first year.  We told Desiree how beautiful she was and it didn’t matter what a person looks like on the outside but what counts is how one is on the inside.   Desiree’s self-confidence grew stronger in the second year. 

Desiree has lost over 99% of her pigment.  She is a very beautiful 15 year-old girl inside and outside.  God has a plan for Desiree.  She has been very blessed.  She has appeared on two national television shows.  I will never forget the first time when she told the whole world what Vitiligo was on national television at the age of 9.  I’m so very proud of Desiree.  She has never let Vitiligo get the best of her.   This is Desiree’s second year at a new school.  She had previously gone to the same school for 9 years.  Just a few months ago, Desiree was one of two freshmen on the homecoming court at her new school.

My advice to parents with a child with Vitiligo is to give your child unconditional love and support.  Learn all you can about Vitiligo through public awareness.  AVRF has been a great resource over the years.  I’m very grateful to be a part of the Foundation.