Everyone has a struggle, a hard time, a period in their life where there is no reasoning to the timing of what is going on with them or around them. Though we look to the heavens and ponder the questions why or why not but usually with no reply just dead silence.
I was once told if you really want to hear the truth about anything, just ask a child. As sharp as the edge of an envelope their response will cut you to the core.
My struggle early on was a part of me that had no purpose but to show up and cause those around me to gawk, glare or wonder. Depending on their age, a simple question of “What happen to you, did you get burned” or “Mommy what’s wrong with him, ewe look at his face” or “check out that dude, man he has a face for radio”.
It began early, about the age of 10; I noticed white spots around my ankles, my knees, my hips, my arms, my elbows and my arm pits. Areas of which were easily concealed and not that noticeable till summer came. Most of the areas stayed calm thru out my high school and college years, with the exception of my legs, hip and waist area.
My love for sports would not consider that the outdoors might not be good for this condition. Heck I didn’t even know it was a condition, nor did I even consider a treatment much less a cure. I figured if I could excel at sports no one would notice the white patches and I would be ok.
My hands and face started next and the condition took drastic measures. Around my eyes, my forehead and the inside of my arms were getting white at an aggressive rate. This period of my life was at its peak in stress, due to the illness of my wife, cancer, cancer of the brain, lung and bones. After an 18 month battle, we lost her at the tender age of 39. Survived by a step-daughter, two young boys ages 7 and 15. By this time my passenger had taken its toll on me to the tune of 60 percent of my body in pigmentation loss.
Did I mention I am Hispanic and I love the outdoors especially golf. NAIA National Golf Champion, NJCAA Golf All-American, Top 50 US Kids Instructor, Professional Golfer, Member of the Mexican PGA Tour, Hogan Tour Member, Nike Tour Member, Florida PGA Tour Member, Space Coast Tour Member, US Amateur Qualifier, Apprentice PGA of America.
I have had the pleasure of teaching the game I love to over 1000 adults, over 500 kids, Professionals and collegiate players. My dream was to qualify for the PGA Tour, well I didn't make it through the final stages but I did qualify for one event in Abilene, "PGA Tour La Jet Event" in 1985.
I have been playing and teaching golf, working in sales, hunting, fishing, coaching softball for over 35 years. Vitiligo just happens to be on a venturous ride within this body and we both know I am in control. The only time I think about Vitiligo is when someone else brings it up and that’s what education is all about. Yes it hurts to burn, blister and look like a lobster at times but it’s worth it to me.
It’s not what’s on the outside that counts, it’s on the inside that makes you the person to love, don’t take my word for it just ask your pet. Live your life from the inside out; trust me it does matter to someone else, even if it’s just one person.
This is dedicated to all the athletes that take it to the next level and reach back and help someone else get there too. I am Vitiligo. Please, if you’re an athlete going to the next level, pull up a chair and tell us about you or someone you know. Someone out there is praying or needing the courage to take the next step.
Jesse Trevino
Replies