Justin
by Pam

My name is Pam. My son Justin was diagnosed 3 years ago with Vitiligo. What started out on his stomach, spread within a year to his knee, hand, fingers, back, and foot. Our pediatrician told us the 1st spot on his stomach was a virus, probably caused by lake water. After the medication did not work and the spots spread, we asked to see a dermatologist. Once we walked into the dermatologist's office, she immediately told us what it was, that it was not life threatening, and that we needed to deal with it and move on. We were out of that office within 10 minutes of meeting with the doctor. After crying all the way home, I found the AVRF website on the computer, got in touch with the staff, and had a lot of information within hours. I was not willing to "deal with it", as we were told we should do. We found another doctor, who gave Justin the protopic ointment, our miracle cream. In just 2 years, the spots have slowed down in spreading, and the pigment has somewhat returned to a large spot on Justin's foot. We are so excited to be a chapter in our area so that we can help others in our area that have been diagnosed, as well as to educate Justin's teachers and classmates on Vitiligo. Although this is not the path I had dreamed of for Justin's life, we have decided to face it head on, doing whatever we can to find a cure and to educate the people around us. Justin is a very energetic, caring, and sweet 10 year old! He is somewhat self-conscious of his spots, especially the ones on his foot and knee. He usually has to explain what they are, and that he has not been burned, or he is not contagious. I know that this bothers him, as it breaks my heart, but he deals with it well. He keeps his spirits up, and ours too. He loves to swim, skateboard, and ride his bike. He also likes to fish with his dad and Grandpa. Justin is a role model to our family-he has dealt with this better than any of us have--we are so proud of him and the way he has chosen to deal with it.

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