Meet Oana

My name is Oana Durcau. I’m 45 years old, and originally from Romania. I have had vitiligo since I was 22 years old after a severe trauma that affected my entire life.

My first patches started to show up around my mouth and nails, spreading very quickly every time I had any stress in my life. Now, I am working in a very professional company and my vitiligo always catches people's attention. I refuse to hide, so I choose to smile at every reaction that I receive from people around me.

Over time, I became a woman who no longer knew anything about herself, who no longer found peace of mind, and who no longer knew what her path was. I was humiliated and mocked for the way I looked when I was not wearing makeup or hiding my white spots.

I learned how to be gentle with myself and accept myself as I am.

Now I seek unconditional support in nature, yoga, sports, and the Vitiligo Voice Canada community. I have learned how-to live-in harmony, finding my inner peace and enjoying everything that life offers me.

Not having any emotional support was very hard, but when I felt that it was starting to affect my mental health, I refused to isolate myself because I knew that isolation would affect my own thoughts and criticisms.

Over the years, I managed to stay away from a severe depression thanks to nature, my positive mindset, and staying active playing my favorite sports such as tennis, running, skiing and kickboxing.

Through everything, my true motivation has always been helping and supporting my community.