Posted by Denise Blanks on September 2, 2010 at 3:06am
I'm no longer a school nurse, I'm a CNA Instructor with a new school! I start off with the class telling them my name & writing the word Vitilligo on the board, pronouncing it & telling them it's not contagious or painful & no I'm no burned! So far this has been sufficient:-)
I'm thankful & grateful because even though my arms & legs are "discolored" I still have them & use them!! I went to my 37th high school city wide reunion in ft wayne last month & of course we were all happy to see each other... A lot of us have packed on the pounds, noone brought up my skin, or the wheelchair that a classmate rolled up in!
Or a cane or the thinness of a classmate with possible cancer or some debilitating disease, we were just happy to see each other on this side of heaven! I share all this to encourage you all to keep on keeping on! You may get on the "pity pot" give yourself a minute or 2, but don't stay there!!!
Keep living & loving, don't change because mature -minded people will treat you as you handle yourself! "Keep Your Head To The Sky!"
Let me hear about your updates please!
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I finished up a nearly four month volunteer position where I confronted my fears of how others view me. Part of that position was to work the front desk and that was what worried me the most as I've had years of negative reactions as to my appearance.
But I really excelled at it and for the most part, a lot of people had no idea I have vitiligo. Now, I'm job hunting for something in my field. When I first graduated, I had a very hard time finding anything as my appearance was an issue, both for me and others.
Now, it's not an issue for me and if it is for others, I just don't care. One of my mottos is "Speak your truth." And I've been very honest when people make comments about my skin or bring up the fact that I wear a hat all summer long. There are times where I can sense they're open to conversation and other times where they're not. It's in that moment when I explain my journey with vitiligo and how it's affected my life.
In January, I won the Calvin Klein Experience Sweepstakes which included a trip to NYC for a makeover, CK gift certificates, Broadway show, etc... We went on that trip two weeks ago and it was wonderful. We got to stay at The Standard Hotel which just opened last year. The people at the salon were so kind and we went to see Wicked.
With a new haircut and some new clothes, I'm ready to start a new journey!
Hi Denise, I give God thanks daily. Vitiligo forces you to be so appreciative of other things you have and just like you, sometimes I tell myself, at least I can see, walk, talk etc, but as Vitiligo progresses, it subconsciously makes you become a recluse, just so you don't go through all the stares and questions. I would like every one with Vitiligo to just live before it takes over your life.
Denise Blanks > Dawn L-BSeptember 4, 2010 at 10:14am
Dawn, I sooo agree, I'm looking in my closet realizing I didn't wear a lot of my clothes this summer because they are sleeveless or short and will show my legs! Now the fall season is coming on in Indiana and I will be glad because I will put on longer sleeves and pants and not think about it till summer again!
Dawn L-B > Denise BlanksSeptember 6, 2010 at 5:38am
EXACTLY what I'm saying. I skip, parties, social engagements, outings simply becaus it is so tedious putting on make up. I certainly don't go out sleeveless or skirts even. I love bell bottom jeans. Hahaha, I know you know what I mean. Imagine not enjoying the seasons God gave us freely because of Vitiligo. My feet and hands are completly gone. My face is worse, my body same. Girl we take it one day at a time. One love my sister.
Replies
But I really excelled at it and for the most part, a lot of people had no idea I have vitiligo. Now, I'm job hunting for something in my field. When I first graduated, I had a very hard time finding anything as my appearance was an issue, both for me and others.
Now, it's not an issue for me and if it is for others, I just don't care. One of my mottos is "Speak your truth." And I've been very honest when people make comments about my skin or bring up the fact that I wear a hat all summer long. There are times where I can sense they're open to conversation and other times where they're not. It's in that moment when I explain my journey with vitiligo and how it's affected my life.
In January, I won the Calvin Klein Experience Sweepstakes which included a trip to NYC for a makeover, CK gift certificates, Broadway show, etc... We went on that trip two weeks ago and it was wonderful. We got to stay at The Standard Hotel which just opened last year. The people at the salon were so kind and we went to see Wicked.
With a new haircut and some new clothes, I'm ready to start a new journey!