Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail 466 Taken from Vamijo FB Page: Emerger Of The Week My Name is Honya Enam Heikeens. I am 23 years old and the only girl in the family of six. I had my basic education at Keta Anlo State School, then to Keta Business Senior High School for my secondary education to read Home Economics (Home Science). I am a graduate of Keta Nursing and Midwifery Training College. I am professionally a Nurse. GROWING UP Growing up, I wanted to be a Model and a TV Presenter but when I turned 12 years old, I realized my first patches or spots. That’s vitiligo. Initially, my family and I thought it was just birthmarks until after being to several hospitals in and outside Ghana yielded no result. Finally, we painfully concluded, I have the condition called Vitiligo. My vitiligo kept spreading and that was when I decided to become a nurse because I realized being in the health sector would give me the opportunity to learn more about the skin condition. At the time, the stigma attached to vitiligo was terrifying. I should say, it was part of the reasons why I initially opted out from being a Model and TV Presenter. More Articles You Would Love Sudanese Model Alek Wek Covers Forbes Africa Emmy Collins Unveils Spring/Summer 2014 Collection – “Timeless” Childhood experience was very bad and sad moments for me. Most people attributed my skin condition to a curse. No friends during my basic education. It was during the senior high school that, I met one wonderful lady; we became friends and sisters till date. She became a true definition for friendship. We were always seen together. She was virtually my strength. Unfortunately, along the way, my elder brother whom I followed directly also had his first patch. That moment was the saddest time for the family. None of us in the family ever thought he would also have vitiligo. My brother and I became so distant from each other because the condition was so shocking to him. He was always shy because he knew what I went through when growing up. Thank God, he has overcome the shock and now we bond so very well. DOES VITILIGO HURT? No! Vitiligo does not hurt. It is just a skin condition where there is a destruction of the melanocytes of the skin resulting into the white patches or spots and IT IS NOT CONTAGIOUS. It affects all races and sexes. It does not itch. It is just a skin type. YOU ARE VERY CONFIDENT, REASSURING AND DETERMINED LADY, WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THESE? Well, Vitiligo is not a disease. However it is a difficult condition to tolerate being more often a psychologically devastating condition. My confidence has to do with self-esteem and belief that keep me going in life. I have learned to accept myself by projecting who I am. God has always been a major source of motivation for me and I must say my parents and family in general are very supportive even up to date. We must all see ourselves through the eyes of God than those of humans. God has a purpose for every condition, so don’t look down on yourself; look up unto God; that is where purpose is. AS A NURSE, WHAT IS THE REACTION OF PATIENTS TOWARDS YOU? When I was in Nursing School during my clinical practicals, the reaction from patients when they see me was not welcoming at all but anytime I encountered patients’ reaction towards my vitiligo, I would always be the best of myself and educate them about the skin condition. I knew such reactions would occur in my daily interactions so I always tried to reassure patients and educate them, even up to now. GOING FORWARD, HOW DO YOU INTEND FOR ADVOCATING FOR OTHERS WITH VITILIGO? Well, I have joined the Vitiligo Support Group Ghana and Africa, VITSAF during my senior high school days and ever since I remained a member. As a group we have been advocating and educating the general public on the skin condition. In Ghana, the data of individuals with the condition is not yet ascertained because of the psychological devastating nature of the condition, people feel shy to come out and be themselves. At VITSAF, we are working hard to reduce, if not completely eradicate the stigmatization that comes with Vitiligo. Sadly, people are denied jobs because they have vitiligo. It is heartbreaking. As an Ambassador, I have personally been very active in giving voice to people with the condition and this evident in my social media, radio and other platforms interactions. My passion to be a Model and TV Presenter is still alive and kicking. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A VITILIGO PERSON? Accept yourself. Have self-belief. Read more about the condition because the more knowledge you have, the less anxiety you will have about the condition. My simple advice to the public is that, Vitiligo is not contagious. Let’s encourage and support vitiligo individuals. Ignorance will not help. I encourage everyone to learn about the condition. It will reduce the stigmatization. Let’s also support VITSAF in all forms; materials and logistics as well as financially. ____________________________________ Extracted From VAMIJO facebook page. Read More On Ghana Read More Model-Stories black white skinmelanocytesmodelsskin conditionvitiligovitiligo models Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail Abigail Oluwakemi I'm a fashion stylist turned blogger, I hope you love my work. More For You #OOTD: Rutie B Hits Us With A Perfectly Stylish ‘Break-Out-The-Norm’ Top & Down... Nigerian Designer Uduak & Asiko Artist Recreate Yoruba Mythology & Gods in Stunning... 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