Jess
by Sharon

Jessica got her first Vitiligo spot on her back when she was 6. We didn't think anything of it until it spread to her armpits then her stomach. We took her to a dermatologist who treated her with a steroid cream, which did nothing. We then went to Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, who proceeded to tell us there is nothing you could do, live with it and give her a positive attitude and good self-esteem. Great help they were. Trying natural therapy worked in repigmenting (freckling) in the summer but was lost the rest of the year. Jess got tired of taking all those pills after a few years and we stopped. Within 1 1/2 years of that first spot, Jess had lost 75% of her pigmentation.
Through her diligence and research on the Internet, Jess discovered the AVRF seminar in April 2002. So we headed to Florida for our first seminar. That changed her life. She finally saw other people with Vitiligo and especially other kids, (she was 14 years old at this point). We also met Prof. Schallreuter, from Germany, who gave us hope that there was actually a successful treatment for Vitiligo. By the end of April we were in Germany and starting treatment. 
  Here we are two years later, that 75% lost pigmentation has been regained and now, at 17, the Vitiligo is mainly on her hands and feet. We are so proud of her dedication to her treatment and who she is. Jess has always been a leader and never seemed to let the teasing and stares bother her. She did hurt inside, but her strong side did not let it show. She has never let her Vitiligo hold her back. Vitiligo has made her a more compassionate, loving young woman. The AVRF has opened a door for children to see that they are just like everyone else. All the children's confidence levels have been elevated by the AVRF. 
  Jess at 17, is a very confident, intuitive, mature, beautiful young woman. She knows who she is and what she wants and will not let anything stop her.
Thank you AVRF for giving us this opportunity and your continued support.

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