Minority with Vitiligo-Free Download: Dr. Spritz Vitiligo Questionnaire

Free Download! Dr.-Spritz-Vitiligo-Questionnaire


Information below provided by Vitiligo Support International!

As many of you know, we are working to discover the genes that cause vitiligo. Understanding these genes will help us understand the basic biology, a key first step towards better treatments or cure. We have now completed the first large genetic studies in Caucasians, and a parallel study has been done in Chinese. The results have given us extraordinary understanding of vitiligo, far better than we have ever had before. The results are also clear that between Caucasians and Chinese Asians, while there are some similarities, there are also very major differences in the causes of vitiligo.  Therefore, each ethnic group must be studied individually.

This means that future treatments and even cures may not benefit all patients equally, based on underlying personal and ethnic genetic differences. Thus, certain drugs may work best for certain individuals or for patients from certain ethnic groups. This is already true for some drugs that turn out to only work well in African-Americans, and so are only FDA-approved for use in those patients.

We are in urgent need of patients from the major USA minority groups-African-American and Hispanic-Latino, as well as Indian-Pakistani.  To date we have had to rely on Caucasians for our studies as they are the only group that have volunteered to participate in numbers great enough to study.

We need your participation – both minority patients and minority “controls” (non-blood relatives without vitiligo). Your personal information, by law, will be kept private and will not be sold or disclosed.  Through your participation, you will help to ensure that future discoveries and treatments will apply to minority groups as well.

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About

Natasha Pierre McCarthy is the proud founder of National Vitiligo Bond Inc. Foundation (Vitiligo Bond), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with vitiligo. Inspired by her work as a Christian business professor and teaching from her pastor, she transformed her vision from God into reality by creating a platform that educates, uplifts, and connects those affected by vitiligo. Vitiligo Bond raises awareness through innovative educational initiatives, including Vitiligo 101 sessions at Emory University with Dr. Holla, community events, social media outreach, partnerships with support groups, and collaborations with public figures and state leaders. By fostering a strong sense of community, Vitiligo Bond ensures that no one living with vitiligo feels alone. Through dedicated advocacy efforts, Vitiligo Bond—alongside passionate advocate volunteers—has played a key role in spearheading and securing Governor Proclamations in multiple states, officially recognizing Vitiligo Awareness in Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia... The organization has helped start up support groups and nonprofits nationally and internationally. In addition, well known business brands have consulted and used models from the organization to represent their products and to help destigmatize vitiligo. Additionally, the organization has been recognized by Congressman Hank Johnson, who supported efforts to gain national recognition for vitiligo awareness. This advocacy contributed to President Barack Obama acknowledging Vitiligo Awareness during the month of June. Currently, further legislative efforts have been initiated to address bullying. Natasha believes that everyone is created with a purpose and deserves to live a full, vibrant life. “We all have the ability to shine.” Vitiligo Bond remains committed to raising awareness, destigmatizing vitiligo, advocating for youth who experience bullying, and supporting men and women struggling with self-acceptance. Through its platform, the organization also assist in research efforts to uncover the cause and ultimately find a cure for vitiligo.

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