My name is Kevin. I am a Kenyan and have lived with Vitiligo for over 10 years now. What started as a slight discoloration of my upper lip morphed into a whole new color to my face and other parts of my body.
At first it was really hard to deal with it and I would really feel alone and so different. I was also struggling with a contract situation at work then which made the situation even worse.
I attempted several medications from several Dermatologists but none could really cure me. I would say though the medication managed to reduce the speed of spread but whenever I stopped to take the medication for whatever reason ranging from not having cash to purchase them to having them out of stock, then it would spread 3-4 times faster in a short time nullifying any gains. Most of the times my family medical cover would get exhausted by the second quarter of the year and I would be left trying to look for extra support from my employer who was generous to increase my cover by an extra amount each year. This I would leave for my family to utilize.
After 3 years of taking meds, I visited a Skin Center and the Doctor really took time to understand my background. I realized that this could be hereditary and that this condition might not cure and asked me to weigh the options of either being on medication all my life or accepting the situation.
I chose to start working on accepting. It was not easy. Luckily, I have a really supportive family. My wife in particular has been my pillar and made it quite easy for me in the acceptance journey. My kids also have come to accept their dad in this condition. Even with this support, you are always reminded by people's stares in public places.
Vitiligo has made me understand that every human being has something they are struggling with. The only difference is that for us, our weakness is visible which makes us stronger since you can hide it no more.
I talk to anybody I meet who has Vitiligo to understand their process and where they are in their acceptance stage. For most of them it helps. I have been to several kids orphanages, and once a kid who was disabled wanted to know who helps me where my clothes every morning. I found it funny but on a second thought realized the kid was strong enough to be empathetic even in their disability. And that's what we ought to be. Even in our imperfections, let's radiate warmth to anyone struggling and know Vitiligo is our strength.
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