Michael
by Lisa

Michael is now an honor school freshman. Michael loves watching sports and playing basketball. He was diagnosed with Vitiligo at the age of 7 years old. It started on his face, and so far we have not noticed it any other places on his body.  Michael’s grandmother and his cousin also have Vitiligo so our family knew what to expect. We had taken him to a couple of doctors, and even tried laser, but we have not seen any results. One doctor told me that there is no cure at this time. He said to go online and try to spend your time and money to educate yourself and others. 

So we surfed the Web and found American Vitiligo Research Foundation. We have met so many caring and loving people. Our family has gone to some of the conferences and received some much needed educational material. Also, we have had a lot of fun. Michael has made us laugh on many occasions. Michael’s wish was granted from the American Vitiligo. The family went to St. Louis to meet the Cardinals and to watch the Cardinals play a game against the Marlins. It was a weekend he will never forget. 

It is very hard these days to raise a teenager. The one thing I have learned from Michael is if you have confidence in yourself anything is possible. He also doesn’t care what people think or feel about him. He is his own person and Vitiligo will not change what he is or what he will be in the future. Every year Michael works with the Foundation to raise money for research. He sends a calendar to all his friends and family to educate them on Vitiligo. It has been very successful to date.

I hope other teenagers can learn from Michael’s confidence in himself.

Lisa,
Michael’s Mother