Gabby
by Rosemary

Vitiligo?  I had no idea what this was, but my baby girl had it and I was devastated.  She was about three when it first appeared and we went to Gabby's pediatrician who referred us to a doctor at Yale.  After following a steroid regimen morning and night for a very long time, Gabby decided that she did not want to do this anymore.  She preferred the Vitiligo to the treatments and I am thankful that she made me realize that the cure itself, even though it was bringing back the color, could cause more harm than good.  We stopped the treatments and the Vitiligo has continued to progress over time.

Gabby's “special spots” as we called them were a gift from God.  Even when Gabby was very young her special spots did not bother her; they were part of her.  When people asked her what she had, she would respond “special spots” and move on.  I, on the other hand, still get very angry with people who stare or make rude comments.  It is very hurtful and I want to protect my baby girl from this needless pain.

I am so very proud of my daughter; she deals exceptionally well with her Vitiligo and it is and always will be a part of her life.  She has never tried to hide or cover up her Vitiligo and she is a beautiful person both inside and out.  Her smile lights up my life and those who know her.

In June 2008 we went to our first Vitiligo conference and it was a great experience.  I was so happy to see Gabby with her peers that understood her situation; and it was a blessing to talk to parents who had similar experiences and kind words to offer.

Gabby continues to thrive and accept her Vitiligo.  It is something that she prefers not to talk about because she says she is just like everybody else. Gabby will live life to its fullest.  She is indeed my gift from God and I am thankful. 

Many thanks to Stella and AVRF for all the wonderful work they do.  We love you!!