Ryan

Hi, I'm Ryan; I've had my Vitiligo since I was 7-1/2 years old. For me, having Vitiligo isn't a big deal. My mom says that I might feel differently when I'm older. But I don't. People need to like me for what's inside of me. And if they don't then I guess that's their problem. I don't treat my Vitiligo at all.

I'm 14 now, I will be 15 soon. I like to swim, read and play video games. I also have a cat his name is Snickers. He's a complete spazoid.

My brothers and sisters are pretty nice. So far, I'm the only one in my family with Vitiligo. Sometimes my youngest brother gets jealous of the attention I've gotten over mom's book "Ryan's Vitiligo". He says that he wishes he had Vitiligo. My little sister has a scar below her knee that she swears is Vitiligo, but it's not. She's only 7 so she is kind of dramatic.

In a couple of weeks I'll be starting high school. This is my fifth year in band, playing my trumpet. I'll be performing at football games this year. I have no idea what the future holds for me. I know that I'm going to work hard in school, be a good friend, brother and son. And, I'm going to be proud of who I am. Vitiligo and all!