Community Awareness

There are many people all around the world who do not know what vitiligo is.  It is important to spread awareness about vitiligo for this very reason.  What are the benefits of spreading community awareness?  People get to understand what vitiligo is and can clarify what questions they have. Spreading awareness also reaches out to people who have vitiligo, but who may not have any resources or support system.  There are many ways to spread awareness in the community.

Over the past couple of months, I have had been putting forth efforts along with a few of my friends in order to spread awareness about vitiligo within the community.  We visited a couple elementary schools and taught students about vitiligo.  They were all very interested in learning more and asked several questions.  At local libraries, we passed out brochures and set up booths with educational information. In our school, we posted flyers with fun facts about vitiligo.  To appeal to all age groups, we distributed wristbands.  What have I learned from these events?  Spreading awareness increases the population of people who know about vitiligo.  I was able to talk to people who knew others with vitiligo. Talking about vitiligo strengthened me as a person.  I felt more confident after answering questions and talking about my own experience with vitiligo.

If you would like to spread community awareness about vitiligo, there are several ways to do so.  Get friends to help create informative brochures or pamphlets.  Work with support groups or health organizations to set up walkathons and information booths.   Hold an informative campaign about vitiligo on World Vitiligo Day (June 25th).  The most important thing to remember while spreading community awareness is that you are increasing knowledge for a good cause, so enjoy the events you participate in and be confident in yourself!

We need your help!

If you would like to contribute to this year's vitiligo walk-a-thon please donate at www.causes.com; search vitiligo and then 2013 vitiligo walkathon and make your donations.

Walkers may also contribute on the day of the walkathon at the park.

We hope all of you will join the cause.

Vitiligo Walk-A-Thon

2013 Vitiligo Walk-a-Thon

June 22, 2013 – Dallas/Richardson, Texas, 9-12 p.m.

The local Dallas/Fort Worth Vitiligo Support Group, in conjunction with Vitiligo Support
International, is pleased to announce the 2013 Vitiligo Walk-a-Thon! The Vitiligo Walk-a-
Thon’s goals are to help educate and raise awareness in our community about this condition, as
well as to raise funds for Vitiligo Support International (VSI), a nonprofit organization working
to improve the lives of those with vitiligo by offering educational resources, patient/family
support, and promoting vitiligo research and awareness. VSI is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit
organization; therefore, all donations are tax-deductible. Sign-up now for the 2013 Vitiligo
Walk-a-Thon and together we can help find a cure for vitiligo!

Let's Get Started!

Where: Breckenridge Park in Richardson, Texas. The registration area and starting line
is located at the gazebo on the East side of Breckenridge Park near Brand Road.

When: Saturday, June 22, 2013. Registration starts at 8:00 am and the walk begins at 9:00.

What: Walkers can choose between two routes: a 5k (~3 mile) path or a 1.25 mile
shorter route. Water and light snacks will be provided for all participants. Participants
who register by June 4 will also receive a 2013 Vitiligo Walk-a-Thon T-Shirt!

How do I sign up?
1. Email vitiligowalk@gmail.com and give us your name and T shirt size by June 4th so we can order
your T-shirt. We will send you all the necessary forms, including the registration form which you can
submit back via email to vitiligowalk@gmail.com. A signed waiver form is necessary for EACH
walker and can be turned in on the day of the walk or can be signed onsite before starting the walk.
2. We hope you sign up many sponsors to support you as a walker. Use the sponsor forms to register
sponsors such as family members, friends, teachers, work associates or small businesses that you
frequent, etc. You should include the “What is Vitiligo” informational sheet to increase awareness of
vitiligo. We recommend that you set your sponsorship goal for at least $50! The walker with the
highest donation amount will receive an award, and be listed in the Vitiligo Support
International Fall newsletter, which goes out to over 35,000 members worldwide!
3. Bring the sponsorship forms and payments with you to turn in on the day of the walk or mail all
sponsorship forms with checks or credit card information to:

2013 Vitiligo Walk-a-Thon
Vitiligo Support International
P.O. Box 3565
Lynchburg, Virginia 24503

Hope

Life is a long bumpy dirt road,

whisking you through moments that take your breath away

The road is worn by rain and sunshine,

your tears and happiness paving the way 

You meet different people who change your life,

helping you understand that faith and courage will take you through the battle

Soon you come to realize,

the road is formed by you and your dreams

Dreams that take you to heights formerly perceived as unreachable,

to find that the beauty in life is within  yourself

So smile and laugh over the smallest things in life,

for they may become your greatest memories

There is light beyond the obstacles,

waiting for you to set out and find it 

And if there may be anything lost along the way,

let hope be the last.

By Medha Iyer

Let the games begin!

The London 2012 Olympics started with a bang on Friday with the Olympic competitive spirit in the air!  Among those spirited individuals was Dave Allemby, one of the London 2012 Olympic flame torchbearers.  Having this opportunity is one of a lifetime and is a great honor!  Allemby was provided with the great opportunity for putting forth great efforts to raise awareness and charitable donations for various causes, including conditions such as vitiligo.  A vitiligo patient himself, Allemby wants to raise awareness of the condition to make a difference. He has been conducting a fundraiser for the Vitiligo Society.  To view his fundraising page, see the link below:

http://www.justgiving.com/daveallemby1956

Here is some more information of Dave Allemby and his efforts:

http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/news/local-news/torchbearer-dave-to-represent-wombwell-1-4375670
 

Medha

Hi everyone!  My name is Medha.  I am 14 years old and have had vitiligo since I was 8.  The vitiligo started as a small spot on my foot, from which it went on to spread to my hands, knees, elbows, and face.  Through several of my experiences, I have learned to appreciate who I am and be thankful for the things I have.  I have met so many people along the way who have completely changed the way I look at things.  Vitiligo has brought me to cherish the amenity of each moment in life.

 A research project in middle school led me to network with professionals in the vitiligo society and frankly, I must say, it completely changed the way I regarded not only my vitiligo, but how others dealt with the condition as well.  Through networking, my family's effort led to the founding of a vitiligo support group in the DFW area.  The support group has met 3 times so far and is making great progress.  It was through this networking that I came to befriend Yeliana, who has provided me with this great opportunity to connect with all of you!

Reasons why I love Vitiligo.

Why I have learned to LOVE Vitiligo, you might be thinking how? love a skin disorder that causes someone to be starred at, made fun of and misunderstood? Yes. These are the reasons why!

1. Vitiligo has helped me meet new wonderful people.

2. Vitiligo has let me reach out to others in hope to inspire and educate.

3. Vitiligo has changed my view on beauty, self image and self love.

4. Vitiligo has helped me realize how unique each and every one of us is.

5. Vitiligo has awarded me with pure true friends who love me because of what is on the inside and choose to not judge me about what is on the outside.

6. Vitiligo has helped me mature and learn so many things.

7. Vitiligo has helped bring me out of my comfort zone to talk to new people about this rare disease and show my skin.

8. Vitiligo has brought me closer to God.

9. Vitiligo has not only helped me notice my imperfections but has helped me EMBRACE them, as hard as it may seem to do at times.

So before you start to hate your skin and ask yourself "why me?" think of all of the positive ways Vitiligo has impacted you! Love you all, stay beautiful, stay pure. (I like the sound of that, I might just use it to end off my posts from now on.)