Empower Luke with Vitiligo Support and Education

Our 10-year-old son, Luke, was diagnosed with Vitiligo three years ago. This is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the skin loses its color in patches due to the destruction of pigment-producing cells. This disorder will most likely lead to more severe autoimmune issues as he gets older, and understanding how this can affect him is extremely important.

Our family found a three-day camp in Tampa, Florida, where their sole focus is children with Vitiligo, followed by another three-day Vitiligo program that focuses on the entire family. We have been blessed to be accepted into the Vitiligo children’s camp, which will pay for the flight and three-day hotel for a child and one parent. Family support and understanding are crucial when this disorder affects a young child. The camp informed us that we can bring other family members, but unfortunately, they will not be able to join the children’s camp due to the limited amount of space.

The good news is that my family is allowed to join the three-day family program, World Vitiligo Day-USA. This part of the program is not covered under the grant aid that was offered to us. The additional cost to attend is a $100 per person fee along with hotel, transportation, food, etc. After a lot of thought, we have decided to attend this program to help grow our knowledge, build our connections, and most importantly, create a support system. We have not met another child who has the same disorder, and that is why our son’s attendance in this program is so important. He needs to understand that he is not alone in this and form bonds with kids his age with the same diagnosis.

The Vitiligo Children’s camp runs from June 24th – 26th, and the World Vitiligo Day-USA runs from June 27th - 29th. We are looking for assistance to help fund our attendance to the World Vitiligo Day-USA program. It’s important that my family be involved in this disorder so our son can get the support he needs.

When Luke was first diagnosed, he had only a few spots on his body: knees, feet, and elbows. Now, three years later, it has grown from his feet up both legs and trunk of his body, hands, and elbows. Currently, this has not yet affected his face. Anyone who has been around our son knows how much this affects him. He won’t go anywhere without a hoodie on and wearing his socks up to his knees. As a mother, this breaks my heart to see him going through this and watching his embarrassment for something he cannot control. We truly believe meeting other children with the same diagnosis will help in finding acceptance and understanding. Attending this program will ensure he has a support system in place, giving him and our family ways to help cope with this disorder that will affect him for the rest of his life.

We know that in this economy, everyone is feeling the pinch with everyday costs rising, but if you can find it in your heart to help a young boy and his family, we would be most grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read our story and support our family.

Thank you,

Bill and Ashley Wentworth