My name is Kelsey and I am 9 years old. I developed Vitiligo when I was 5 years old. At first I thought that I was the only one who had it and it made me feel sad and alone. But then my mom and dad told me that everybody has something different about them. Sometimes it is frustrating when people ask questions about my vitiligo but I am learning how to answer them and what to say. My vitiligo is not contagious. Little by little, I am getting more vitiligo on my body but that does not stop me from reaching my goals. Some goals I have accomplished are making the All A's Honor Roll, being in a ballet/hiphop recital, playing basketball, gymnastics, and reading my poem that me and my mom wrote together about vitiligo. It was hard but it didn't stop me from getting up and reading in front of my second grade class. I have learned that having vitiligo is a part of me and doesn't make me different because God made me special. The poem below is the poem that me and my mom wrote and the one I shared in front of my class.
A Special Treasure
I may be different as you can see
But there is no difference between you and me. .
You see these beautiful patches God put on me,
It is called Vitiligo and is placed so perfectly.
This is how God made me different! Look at me!!! I can do all things through Christ because He strengthens me!
What makes you different? Can you see it or not? It could be glasses, freckles, one arm or two…
We all have something that makes us stand out, accepting it is what counts!!!
At first I wondered why God made me differently,
but then my mom told me how God uses us each so specifically.
You see, God made us each unique in our own way,
so it is okay if my Vitiligo is here to stay.
My mom tells me that everyone has something that makes them different
but it is how you deal with it that makes it significant.
My dad has little hair
and it is too bad I can’t share.
My mom struggles with anxiety
But she is thankful to see that it is how God keeps her to her knees.
You see, God knows our heart
and perfectly gives us each our own part.
We each have a struggle of our own,
so I hope you know that you are NOT ALONE!
This Vitiligo is MINE you see,
and I am going to continue to love being ME!!!
So whatever your struggle or difference might be
Praise God because he will use you, YOU WILL SEE!!!
Lastly, I put a picture of my friend Gwen. Gwen also has Vitiligo. I met Gwen at a conference and we have become good friends. It is important to have a friend that shares the same struggles because you know you are not alone. Gwen got to come down and go to “A day in the Park” at Six Flags last year.
A letter from Kelsey’ mom, Stacy Head
Our journey with Vitiligo began with a small white spot by Kelsey’s eye the summer after she turned 5. We took her to a pediatric dermatologist and found out she had Vitiligo. They shined a light over her skin and showed us where the Vitiligo would appear. After much prayer, we explained everything we knew to Kelsey. We told her what was going to happen and began to research Vitiligo, treatments, and any other information out there. Kelsey has had a desire to meet others with Vitiligo from the very beginning which is why we have become familiar the DFW organization. We have bought a UVB Wand as well as use the UVB full body box. The treatment has helped to regain some of Kelsey’s pigment; however, there is no cure. The treatment can be timely but, with the support of our doctor, small dots have developed which have helped camouflage the Vitiligo and give Kelsey protection from the sun.
We continually tell Kelsey how she is beautiful inside and out as well as talk about the fact that we ALL have challenges. Some of our challenges can be seen visually; however, some are not visual
Kelsey is very outgoing, active, and LOVES being around others. Having Vitiligo has not slowed Kelsey down or changed her outlook on life. In the beginning, Kelsey did not like answering questions about Vitiligo or the stares she would get; however, we constantly talk about it and practice answering questions that Kelsey may get. We are very proactive with her Vitiligo. It has been so important and the “best” medicine for Kelsey has been being around and knowing others who also have Vitiligo. If she does have a hard day or I see she feels isolated, we talk about her friend Gwen or those we have met through DFW Vitiligo. We also talk about how important it is to love one another for who they are and that not everyone is gifted with that same ability. We can only control ourselves and our own reaction, which is why we push Kelsey in the direction to educate others about their differences. I would highly encourage anyone with Vitiligo or a loved one with Vitiligo to get involved and walk along side others with the same struggles.
We also try and make “Vitiligo” something positive and a way to reach out to others, to make a difference, and to help others. Kelsey wanted to go to a Vitiligo conference in Florida after we first realized she had this skin condition; however, we decided that would be a great experience for her, but wanted her to earn the money for the trip. This helped her be in front of Vitiligo, learn to answer questions, and love who she is. We raised the money for her to go to Florida by having a Garage Sale and it was a huge success.
Kelsey is a confident, outgoing, and courageous young girl. I know God has GREAT plans for her. I pray that He protects her heart from those who question her, her spirit, or why she has vitiligo. I pray she is able to use her vitiligo to spread the love and joys of Christ. I pray that all of our doing and efforts go to praising Him and the blessings and joys that our children bring to us and the rest of the world. The world tells us that outside beauty is important and that we are supposed to look a "certain" way; however, being different and unique is what sets us apart, spiritually, visually and in the hopes of changing the world’s perspective.
God made Kelsey perfectly and in His image. I am thankful for Kelsey and every part of her.