Kaleah
by Shanna

Kaleah (Leah)

First let me say I will never forget the day God placed Stella in our family. We have been through so many ups, downs, tears and hugs. Her support is ongoing and I am constantly humbled by her and her fortitude.

It has been a long time since I have had to write about my Leah “Jet” pertaining to her journey with Vitiligo. It still isn’t easy. But here are my thoughts from the perspective of the mother of a sixteen year old with this skin disorder.

My Leah grows more beautiful each day. She is loving, grateful and spiritual, as well as opinionated, moody and self-centered. I think what I’m saying is that she is a normal teenager. She loves to “hang out” with her friends, send text messages, and sing out loud; and her new passion is driving. Leah has made the honor roll since she began high school and is a terrific athlete. She coaches and referees games, all while continuing to play soccer on her high school team and club team, as well as playing forward on the high school basketball team. She still amazes her coaches and family with her speed.

She is my hero! Vitiligo does not hold her back. She is aware of it, but does not dwell on it. She will always be an advocate for children going through what she has gone through, but will be the first to say “don’t let it define you or your goals for your future.”

My wish for the future would be that all people become diverse enough to look past the outside and get to know the character of a person. I also pray for a cure for all ailments that make children feel inferior. I pray for doctors like Dr. Schallreuter to continue their work and with the help of God to give children the best start in life that they can possibly have. I pray for parents to be strong for their children to get them through the sad, cruel, painful times that they go through watching their children growing to be the best they can be.

Shanna,
Proud Mother of Kaleah