As long as we accept and cherish those that are somewhat different in one way or another, this world would be a great place.
When baby Winry was welcomed into the world, her parents noticed a patch on her face. They thought it was a bruise at first, but doctors told them the little one was born with congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), an extremely rare birthmark.
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โWhen they first handed her to me, I thought it was a bruise. It was then quickly apparent to my husband and I that it was not a bruise. And like the name, I thought it looked a lot like a mole,โ mom Nicole Hall toldย Good Morning America.ย
โI was lucky to have a pretty average pregnancy! I had morning sickness from about weeks 8-14, but as soon as that let up I felt great until the tiredness kicked in the last month,โ she writes on herย blog, adding that no one could possibly knew that the little one would have such a birthmark on her face.
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โSome of the excitement of labor had passed, and I would say worry was the main emotion I felt โ I recognized that it resembled a mole, but I had never seen anything like it, and I was worried it might be harmful to her. None of the nurses had said anything about it at this point, but I wasnโt sure what to ask so I just held her tight and loved on her.โ
According to a report by the National Organization for Rare Diseases by Dr. Harper Price of Phoenix Childrenโs Hospital and Dr. Heather Etchevers of Marseille Medical Genetics, Winryโs condition causes light brown to black patches which can appear in many different ways and on different parts of the body.
One mother is dedicated to reaffirming that her daughter is beyond beautiful.https://t.co/iWnkJXqsZm
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Having this birthmark means thereโs a potential risk of developing a melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Although that risk is relatively low, Nicole always makes sure to put a hat on Winryโs head whenever they are out in the sun. She also puts sunscreen on her babyโs face and takes every precaution.
โHer health and happiness are our top priority. We have to monitor her with sunscreen. Iโm careful with hats and that sort of thing. I know our regular dermatology appointment is probably going to be our best friend growing up,โ Nicole says.
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Winryโs parents are aware there would be stares as their girl grows up, and probably later in life too, so they do all in their power to help raise awareness about CMN.
โFor a lot of people, this is the first time seeing a birthmark like hers and thatโs part of why I enjoy sharing,โ Nicole says. โThis is a good conversation for parents with their children to see kids have differences, or for those parents who do have a kid that looks like Winry or has any kind of a birthmark to see their child represented.โ
Winry is a happy and a healthy girl, and her mom and dad hope that once she becomes aware of her birthmark she would accept it as part of her and would cherish her difference.
โShe just radiates joy. Sheโs almost always laughing or shrieking. She is just the happiest baby I have ever seen,โ shared the mom. โSheโs a big talker already. We havenโt got a whole lot of words out, but she tells you like it is and sheโs already getting a little bit of sassiness, so I think weโre gonna have a lot on our hands.โ
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Through her TikTok videos which feature now 13-month-old Winry, Nicole is getting to a number of people and spreading awareness. They have already been contacted by other parents whose children have CMN, among which a family from Brazil whose son has almost identical birthmark as that of Winry.
At least they know they are not alone.
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Love and Peace
