Winry was born with a rare birthmark covering 25% of her face, a condition called congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), which affects 1 in 50,000 births. Her parents, Nicole and her husband, were initially worried, but doctors assured them it was purely aesthetic. “When they first handed her to me, I thought it was a bruise,” Nicole recalled.
Determined to empower her daughter, Nicole turned to social media to spread awareness. “For a lot of people, this is the first time seeing a birthmark like hers… this is a good conversation for parents with their children.” She hopes to normalize differences and represent families with similar experiences.
While CMN carries a slight risk of melanoma, Nicole prioritizes Winry’s well-being. “Her health and happiness are our top priority. We have to monitor her with sunscreen… our regular dermatology appointment is probably going to be our best friend.”
Winry is a joyful child. “She just radiates joy… she’s almost always laughing or shrieking,” her mother shared.
Her older brother, Asher, sees nothing unusual about her birthmark, treating it like any other feature. Though he sometimes gets jealous, his love for his sister remains strong.