VITFriends Vitiligo Support Group
About
VITFriends is a nonprofit support group for people living with vitiligo, the condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigment. Launched in Boston and listed in Hyde Park, it describes itself as a national support group with a global focus. Its mission is to provide support, education and advocacy for individuals and families affected by vitiligo, caring for the whole person, mind, body and spirit, through networking, shared information and an annual conference.
The idea took shape in 2004, and in 2005 Valarie met fellow members online through an existing vitiligo network. VITFriends officially launched in Boston in 2009 and became a registered Massachusetts 501(c)(3) in 2014. Since then the group has organized a vitiligo rally on the Massachusetts State House steps and an inaugural World Vitiligo Day rally on the US Capitol steps, and it co-hosted a national conference in Worcester that connected live with vitiligo groups in China, Africa, Australia and France.
What to Know
- Purple was adopted as the group’s color in 2016.
- A book drive has sent vitiligo storybooks to elementary schools across the country.
- Groups elsewhere can apply to become VITFriends affiliates.
- Its long-term goals include vitiligo legislation and financial support for the national vitiligo community.
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