At least in some US states, it seems. Did anyone know this? And change.org has a petition for Obama to recognise it nationally.
http://www.change.org/actions/view/vitilgo_support_awareness
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July 08, 2009
Markell Joins With Legislators to Declare July as Vitiligo Awareness Month
DOVER – Saying he hopes it will promote greater awareness and help the development of a fledgling support group, Gov. Jack Markell on Wednesday signed a proclamation declaring July as Vitiligo Awareness month in Delaware.
“I appreciate both Mrs. Barbara Summers and Senator Brian Bushweller’s work in helping increase society’s awareness of this disease,” Markell said. “I hope that by proclaiming July as Vitiligo Awareness Month, we place a greater spotlight on this issue and bring a greater understanding of the disease to individuals all over the state.”
Vitiligo is a condition in which people lose melanin – the pigment that gives skin its color – resulting in white patches of skin. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown and there is no cure, although there are some treatments that can lessen the disease’s effects.
Barbara Summers of Dover has suffered with the disease for 25 years and is trying to organize a support group to help other people afflicted with Vitiligo. She said getting data, such as, how many Delawareans suffer from the disease is currently impossible because it isn’t formally tracked.
“I’ve learned to live with it, but it’s very hard and very stressful,” she said.
Summers brought the condition to the attention of Sen. Brian Bushweller, D-Dover North, who approached the Governor about declaring July Vitiligo Awareness Month.
“When I learned of the mental anguish this disease can create, I felt it was only right to help Barbara’s efforts to expand awareness and to try to help others suffering this illnesses societal side effects,” Bushweller said. “I applaud her efforts to create a support group to give Vitiligo victims around Delaware draw strength from each other.”
Summers said she was grateful for the support she’s received from the state.
“I think this will do good by bringing attention to it,” she said. “With the support of people like Gov. Markell and Sen. Bushweller, I hope we can make more people aware and help find people with Vitiligo, family members or friends so they can get the support they need.”
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I spoke with Barbara Summers the woman who started this the other day, I think It's only in my state right now. But she said that she's trying to get people together with V for monthly meetings. She convinced are Governor by publishing her story in the states paper I guess he read it and decide to do this. She said her story is in the Delaware news journal on march the 4th page 18 but I haven't found it yet online. But I will see her on the 25th for the seminar, I will let everyone know how it goes.
Cool. She posted the change.org petition, too, I just noticed. According to the petition, April is Vitiligo Awareness Month in Florida. I guess she's on a crusade to make July the national month in the States.
Yes It is in my State of Delaware. There is also some kind of seminar about Vitiligo In Dover DE on the 25th of July from 9am until 2pm, at the Sheraton in Dover.
I did not know this. Thanks for the info. Maybe we all need to get together with change.org and sign a petition so the month of July is recongnized as National Vitiligo Month and in the mean time we could be thinking of an Awareness Ribbon for vitiligo. Carl already posted that question here. Thanks again for the info.
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