Janet is the mother of 10-year old Gabby.

As a mother of a child with vitiligo, I have seen first hand the suffering a child goes through with her skin tones changing on an almost daily basis. I know some days Gabby must feel like just covering up and not dealing with the stares and looks and questions she gets from strangers. Many adults are embarrassingly poorly mannered and stare as much as their kids. Gabby can be having a perfectly great day and we go to the grocery store and she encounters a child who stares and points. Instead of asking what is wrong with her skin, the parent doesn't face it and walks away. Gabby is more than happy to explain what vitiligo is but rarely gets the opportunity. She must feel that she is very objectionable looking when in fact she is gorgeous.

I have explained to Gabby that people are inherently good but sometimes they don't practice their good manners. People stare at those in wheelchairs, people with bright red hair, short people, tall people, kids with Down syndrome, pimples, scars and also people who are extraordinarily beautiful. Anyone who looks a little different gets the attention of us humans. That is not an adequate excuse for parents not teaching their children that humans come in many varieties and God doesn't make junk. She is a great kid and this vitiligo adventure has taught she and her sister Christina to embrace those that are different from them.

he AVRF has helped us to cope with this challenge. From our first visit to the website, and our first chance encounter with Stella, Gabby has felt accepted and we have received information which is straightforward and accurate. The most valuable aspect of our relationship with AVRF has been meeting other children and families with vitiligo. These are terrific people who are compassionate and accepting. Every child with vitiligo should have the opportunity to meet and form relationships with children like these.

Our goal is that all children and adults will embrace those who are different. We re all God's children and just happen to come in different packages.