We are all born uniquely special and undeniably beautiful in our own way. What makes us human is the fact that no two individuals are exactly alike. And as the years go by, we are getting better at embracing and cherishing our differences as a society.
Nicole Lucas Hallson, a mother of two beautiful kids, Asher and Winry, is on a mission to prove that our imperfections make us perfect. She wants to reaffirm that her baby daughter, Winry, who was born with a rare birthmark, is beautiful just the way she is.
Winry Hall, now 13 months old, was born with a rare birthmark known as congenital melanocytic nevi, or CMN. This birthmark covers a fourth of her face, making her look different from other children her age. When Nicole, who works as a teacher, first held Winry after her delivery in February 2021, she was concerned and shocked.
“I had a pretty average pregnancy! I experienced morning sickness from weeks 8 to 14, but after that, I felt great until the tiredness kicked in during the last month,” Nicole writes on her blog. The doctors and nurses who assisted in the delivery may have been the first to notice the CMN, but they remained positive and congratulated Nicole on the smooth delivery.
As Nicole nursed her newborn daughter, she couldn’t help but notice the mark on Winry’s head. At first, she thought it was just a bruise, but soon realized that it resembled a mole. Worry started to creep in as she had never seen anything like it before. Nicole held Winry tightly, unsure of what to do or ask.
According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases, CMN can manifest as light brown or black patches and can appear on any part of the body, in varying sizes. Nicole and her partner want to embrace Winry’s uniqueness and inspire others to be proud of their differences.
“For a lot of people, this is the first time seeing a birthmark like hers, and that’s why I enjoy sharing,” Nicole said. “This is a great conversation for parents to have with their children, to show them that kids have differences. And for parents who have a child like Winry or with any kind of birthmark, it’s important for them to see their child represented.”
While Winry’s birthmark puts her at an increased risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer), her parents take precautions to protect her skin. But more than the physical aspect, Nicole worries about the challenges her daughter may face due to bullying when she grows older.
“Her health and happiness are our top priority. We have to monitor her with sunscreen. I’m careful with hats and other protective measures,” Nicole explained. “Regular dermatology appointments will become a normal part of her life.”
Despite the potential challenges, Winry sees the world as a happy and carefree little girl. She radiates joy and is always laughing or shrieking. She may not have many words yet, but she already has a bold personality, full of sassiness. Nicole knows they have an exciting journey ahead with their spirited daughter.
In conclusion, embracing differences is essential, and we should never mock or look down upon anyone for their uniqueness. We wholeheartedly believe that Winry is a special little girl with a beautiful soul. Please share this article on Facebook to send love and confidence Winry’s way and to show your support for celebrating the beauty of all children.
