Empowerment

Impacting A Generation-Governor Nathan Deal takes a photo with Jhori

March 23, 2017 - By 

On March 22nd, 2017, a number of our new members of Vitiligo Bond, Inc. (VBI) was a part of a photo-op with our Governor, at the Capitol in Atlanta, GA.

Featured in the photo is one of our youngest members Jhori who met Governor Nathan Deal for the first time.  Small acts of kindness like this can empower a child and have a lasting impact.

Vitiligo is a non-contagious auto-immune skin disorder that strips pigment from a person’s skin leaving it patchy. Every year, our Governor takes pride in standing with us.  This is the 7th year of this activity.

VBI encourages its members to be proud of their skin and let their lights shine. Vitiligo has never had a Bill enacted and that is why we are proud to say that for 2017 we are working with Congress to get vitiligo recognized.  There is no Federal funding for advocacy and research. Programs like Vitiligo Bond Inc are funded out of pocket by the CEO and in-kind donations.

Many of our youth and adults suffer from bullying and rejection on a daily basis.  We have also had a few known suicides in our community, so it is our mission to help raise as much needed funding to continue brining about awareness of vitiligo.

The funds raised here and our GO Fund account will help support our ongoing awareness efforts and programs (self-esteem photo shoots, basketball socials, 30-city awareness tour, Vitiligo Awareness Walk, Health Fairs, Vitiligo Short Film, and more).

At the photo opportunity with our Governor, our children and adults was featured in their Vitiligo Bond’s awareness (#NotContagious #NoBullying) tees.

Lunch was provided to our members by our in-kind sponsor Outback Steakhouse by Ms. Bethea from the Stone Mountain, Georgia franchise. Thank you!

Please visit our website at  www.vitiligobond.org or our social media page at www.facebook.com/vitiligobondinc and learn more about Vitiligo Bond Inc.

Thank you on behalf of our members.

Help spread the word to reduce the stigma & stay tuned!

Natasha Pierre McCarthy is the visionary founder of the National Vitiligo Bond Inc. Foundation (Vitiligo Bond), a nonprofit devoted to supporting and empowering individuals living with vitiligo. Drawing inspiration from her experiences as a Christian business professor and the guidance of her pastor, Natasha turned a God-inspired vision into reality—creating a platform that educates, uplifts, and connects those affected by vitiligo. Vitiligo Bond promotes awareness through innovative educational initiatives, including Vitiligo 101 sessions at Emory University with Dr. Holla, community events, social media campaigns, partnerships with support groups, and collaborations with public figures and state leaders. By fostering a strong, supportive community, Vitiligo Bond ensures that no one with vitiligo feels alone. Through tireless advocacy, Vitiligo Bond and its dedicated volunteers have been instrumental in securing Governor Proclamations in multiple states, officially recognizing Vitiligo Awareness in Georgia, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia... The organization has also supported the launch of vitiligo focused support groups and nonprofits both nationally and internationally. Well-known brands have collaborated with Vitiligo Bond, featuring models from the organization to destigmatize vitiligo and promote inclusivity. Natasha’s work has earned recognition from Congressman Hank Johnson, whose support helped bring national attention to vitiligo awareness, including acknowledgment by President Barack Obama administration during Vitiligo Awareness Month in June. Current efforts also include legislative initiatives (HRES 792) to address bullying and advocate for youth affected by vitiligo. Believing that everyone is created with a purpose and deserves a full, vibrant life, Natasha reminds us, “We all have the ability to shine.” Vitiligo Bond remains steadfast in its mission to raise awareness, promote self-acceptance, support those facing bullying, destigmatize vitiligo, and advance research toward understanding and ultimately curing vitiligo.