Reaching out to others with vitiligo.

I was shopping at Aurora Farms Outlet Stores yesterday. My friend and I went into an ice cream shop and I saw a woman with vitiligo. Everyone got there ice cream and we sat near each other. My concern is since I am completely depigmented (just looking like a fair skinned woman) how will she accept me talking with her about vitiligo. I gathered my thoughts, realized how much the websites have helped me, thought about what I would say first and she was very receptive and she had a beautiful smile and a lovely family with her. They were very kind and thankful that I talked with their mother. When I explain that I had lost all of my pigment, they seemed surprised. I like to think that I may have given them a good message of hope. She said she gave up on treatments and was just waiting for all her pigment to go. I told her about the vitiligo websites and about the cream that is prescribed by doctors for complete depigmentation.
Actually, I cannot remember everything I said because inside I was so excited. But as I left they expressed their gratitude. It was a very good day!

Patty :)

I was in a shoe store last Saturday and saw a young girl working there that had vit. I said I see you have vitiligo, so do I. Her face lit up and her first words were "what are you doing for it?" I am so glad I spoke to her. We talked for 20 minutes. She has had it since she was ten and it has been associated with another autoimmune disorder she has - a form of arthritis. She has a boyfriend and has told her boyfriend she wants an engagement ring before the vit takes over her hands or there will be no pictures! She was so upbeat and funny and cute. I was so glad I had spoken to her. I will not hesitate to speak to someone with vit again (if the situation is right). Also, she was very interested in this website when I told her about it. I hope she joins up. Her attitude is excellent and, as most of us are, is very well informed about vitiligo.

Replies

Linda July 21, 2010 at 3:12pm

I was in a shoe store last Saturday and saw a young girl working there that had vit. I said I see you have vitiligo, so do I. Her face lit up and her first words were "what are you doing for it?" I am so glad I spoke to her. We talked for 20 minutes. She has had it since she was ten and it has been associated with another autoimmune disorder she has - a form of arthritis. She has a boyfriend and has told her boyfriend she wants an engagement ring before the vit takes over her hands or there will be no pictures! She was so upbeat and funny and cute. I was so glad I had spoken to her. I will not hesitate to speak to someone with vit again (if the situation is right). Also, she was very interested in this website when I told her about it. I hope she joins up. Her attitude is excellent and, as most of us are, is very well informed about vitiligo.
Viv Coulthard July 15, 2010 at 3:41am

Hi Patty,
How are you. I am just new to this site having been diagnosed 2 years ago. I was devastated and felt very isolated until now. I would love it if someone with vitiligo would come up to me and speak with me, so good for you.
I bet the lady and her family were so delighted that you did it. Until this week I had not met anyone with vitiligo and this site is making such a difference to me.
I am hoping to start up or join a website here in Scotland. Be lovely to chat to you. Blessings x
Cawan July 6, 2010 at 2:56pm

They are going through the same insecurities as we are. I speak to EVERYONE I see with vitiligo. EVERY SINGLE TIME it has been a wonderful experience. An sense of GRATITUDE to be able to share!!
Sand July 5, 2010 at 3:14pm

I've spoken before about the time were I was significantly spotted and a de-pigmented man approached me while in college.

Two years ago while at a fair, I saw two other people with vitiligo withing the span of five minutes.

I'd hate to put anyone on the spot and also being naturally de-pigmented I'd hate for that to bring up issues in others (as we are the exception, not the case). I'm wanting to organize a local support group though and am trying to find out the best way to reach out to others without causing any offense.
- Mike > Sand July 6, 2010 at 10:59am
  
  I'd hate to put anyone on the spot!!! :-)
Ali Marie July 5, 2010 at 6:14am

This message made my day :-)
How often I, like Ciney, have minded my P's and Q's out of not wanting to offend or be a pest. Yet I have always longed to meet someone else (in person) with vitiligo. Just to actually be able to look at someone and know that in some way, shape, or form, they know how I feel.
Bravo for making the first move!
Ciney B July 5, 2010 at 4:08am

AWESOME! That makes my heart smile with joy! I've always been a bit nervous about approaching others with vitiligo. I suppose b/c I didn't want anyone interrupting my day since my vitiligo was not on my mind. Now however; just as you said.... WE COULD BE GIVING A MESSAGE OF HOPE. My outlook is different now and I WANT to reach out to others b/c you just never know what they are going through. YOU COULD BE THAT ANGEL THAT GOD IS SENDING TO THEM!

For those of us who are coping with flying colors, and who are embracing, and have fought the battle of two toned skin.. I think we should enlighten others if its on our "heart" to do so.
THANK YOU PATRICIA for sharing that. And God Bless you for your act of kindness

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