Each of us is born uniquely special and undeniably beautiful in our own way.
One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of being human is that no two of us are exactly alike. Over time, as a society, we’ve become increasingly better at accepting and celebrating our differences.
Nicole Lucas Hallson, a mother raising two beautiful children—her son Asher and daughter Winry—is on a larger mission. She wants to prove that our imperfections are part of what makes us perfect and to reaffirm that her daughter, born with a rare birthmark, is beautiful just the way she is.
According to Good Morning America, little Winry Hall was born with a rare condition called congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). As a result, at 13 months old, she doesn’t look like the other children around her. The rare birthmark covers about a fourth of her face.
Nicole, a teacher by profession, was shocked and concerned when the nurses handed her baby over after delivery in February 2021. She had experienced a normal pregnancy and didn’t expect her daughter to have a skin condition.
“I was lucky to have a pretty average pregnancy! I had morning sickness from about weeks 8-14, but after that, I felt great until the tiredness kicked in during the last month,” Nicole shared on her blog.
Nicole recalls that it was likely the doctors and nurses who first noticed the CMN. However, no one mentioned anything negative, and they only congratulated her on the smooth delivery. They assured her that Winry’s vitals looked fine.
After nursing her newborn daughter for a while, Nicole began to notice the mark on Winry’s head. Initially, she thought it was a bruise, but it quickly became clear that it wasn’t. “It looked a lot like a mole,” Nicole said.
In her blog, Nicole described her emotions. “Some of the excitement of labor had passed, and worry was the main emotion I felt. I recognized it resembled a mole, but I had never seen anything like it, and I was worried it might be harmful. None of the nurses had said anything about it, but I wasn’t sure what to ask, so I just held her tight and loved on her.”
The National Organization for Rare Diseases states that CMN can appear as light brown or black patches and can vary in size and location across the body. Now, Nicole and her partner aim to celebrate their daughter’s uniqueness and encourage others to see differences as something to be proud of, not ashamed of.
“For many people, this is the first time they’ve seen a birthmark like hers, and that’s part of why I enjoy sharing,” Nicole explained. “It’s a good conversation starter for parents to talk to their kids about differences. It’s also important for parents of children with birthmarks to see their child represented.”
Given that Winry’s birthmark may increase her risk of developing melanoma, her parents take extra precautions to protect her skin. However, Nicole admits that her biggest concern is the possibility of bullying as Winry grows older.
“Her health and happiness are our top priority. We make sure to use sunscreen and keep an eye on her with hats and protective clothing,” Nicole said. “Our regular dermatology appointments are likely going to be our best friends as she grows up.”
As for Winry’s perspective on the world, she’s a happy and energetic little girl who seems to have no worries. She’s everything a baby should be.
“She just radiates joy. She’s almost always laughing or shrieking,” Nicole said. “She is the happiest baby I’ve ever seen. She’s already a big talker. We haven’t gotten many words out, but she tells you exactly what’s on her mind and is already showing some sass. I think we’re going to have our hands full.”
At Newsner, we agree that differences should be celebrated, not mocked or looked down upon. Winry is an extraordinary little girl with a beautiful soul, and we believe she deserves all the love and confidence in the world!
Please share this article on Facebook to send Winry love and to show that you agree that all children are beautiful, just the way they are!
