Meet Lorena

My journey with vitiligo began at the age of 5, when I noticed my first spots on my face.

Growing up with a father who also had the condition, I initially thought it was a normal occurrence.

However, its impact became clear when I started facing rejection from my elementary school friends and enduring bullying both at school and at home.

Despite being a happy-go-lucky child loved by my elementary school teachers, I found myself harboring a lot of anger as I faced continuous ridicule. Sadly, I directed this anger towards my family, feeling ashamed of both my appearance and my personality.

Lacking guidance on managing my mental health during childhood, it wasn't until I turned 24 that I sought help. By then, I was burdened with childhood trauma, low self-esteem, and self-hatred. Finding the right therapist was a journey in itself, but two years ago, I finally connected with someone who has helped me tremendously through EMDR and talk therapy.

Since then, I've made significant strides in my healing journey.

I've reflected on the challenges I've faced in dating, making friends, navigating beauty standards, and understanding my identity.

Despite knowing that my family couldn't afford medication, I never sought it out. Instead, I've found solace in connecting with others who share my condition, understanding the struggles firsthand.

To anyone living with vitiligo, my advice is simple: learn to love yourself and never cease your journey of self-improvement. You matter.

In terms of hopes for the future, I aspire to contribute to shifting societal perceptions around skin conditions by empowering women to embrace their uniqueness and build confidence through fitness and self-care.

My biggest achievement thus far has been dedicating my life to my faith and finding strength and purpose through it. Moving forward, my next goal is to continue expanding my impact by reaching more women and guiding them on their journey towards self-love and empowerment.

Vitiligo, though not physically painful, carries a significant psychological burden. It's natural to feel anger and question 'why me?' in the face of societal stigma and personal challenges. I’ve learned to approach life with compassion and empathy, treating others with love and kindness regardless of differences. Let's foster a world where acceptance and understanding prevail over judgment and stigma.