Florida Lawmaker to Spotlight 2021 World Vitiligo Day at Orlando City Hall
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Daisy Morales (D-Orlando) will host the inaugural World Vitiligo Day celebration at Orlando City Hall on Friday June 25, 2021, from 6-7 p.m. EST.
World Vitiligo Day, first held in 2011, was born to shine a light on challenges faced by those suffering from the “forgotten” disease.
Vitiligo is a long-term, chronic medical condition that results in loss of pigmentation in patches on the skin, hair, eyes, and inside of the mouth. In the United States, around two to five million individuals are affected by this chronic medical condition. Approximately half of the cases were diagnosed during childhood thus requiring lifetime treatment.
Three vitiligo advocates will join Representative Morales to share their personal stories of living with the disease, including internationally renowned Puerto Rican model and Instagram influencer Ash Soto (below).
Soto’s story of rising from the ashes of bullying to transform her vitiligo into body art has garnered worldwide media coverage, including BBC, People, Self, Allure, Cosmopolitan Mexico, Insider, Refinery29, Daily Mail, Truly, Fashion Magazine, Buzzfeed, Click Orlando, and many others.
Other advocate speakers include Tonja Johnson, Tampa chapter leader for Beautifully Unblemished, a vitiligo support group (Bay News 9, Tampa Bay, ABC Action News, News Channel 8) and Denise Diaz, co-director of Central Florida Jobs with Justice.
Representative Morales’s House Resolution 8053 was signed and published in the Florida House of Representatives journal to recognize the day.
“I’m excited to be working with these amazing advocates to bring awareness to World Vitiligo Day,” said Representative Morales. “Not only will the audience get to hear their incredible stories, but we’ll also have a dermatologist on hand to answer any questions people may have and dispel all the myths and stereotypes about the disease. We’re bringing hope to those suffering with vitiligo in Florida.”
Seating will be limited. Those interested in attending must RSVP to Maria Kolmetz: maria.kolmetz@myfloridahouse.gov
The event will be streamed live on Facebook at @RepDaisyMorales and @FloridaNationalNews starting at 6pm EST.