July 08, 2009

Markell Joins With Legislators to Declare July as Vitiligo Awareness Month

DOVER – Saying he hopes it will promote greater awareness and help the development of a fledgling support group, Gov. Jack Markell on Wednesday signed a proclamation declaring July as Vitiligo Awareness month in Delaware.

“I appreciate both Mrs. Barbara Summers and Senator Brian Bushweller’s work in helping increase society’s awareness of this disease,” Markell said. “I hope that by proclaiming July as Vitiligo Awareness Month, we place a greater spotlight on this issue and bring a greater understanding of the disease to individuals all over the state.”

Vitiligo is a condition in which people lose melanin – the pigment that gives skin its color – resulting in white patches of skin. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown and there is no cure, although there are some treatments that can lessen the disease’s effects.

Barbara Summers of Dover has suffered with the disease for 25 years and is trying to organize a support group to help other people afflicted with Vitiligo. She said getting data, such as, how many Delawareans suffer from the disease is currently impossible because it isn’t formally tracked.

“I’ve learned to live with it, but it’s very hard and very stressful,” she said.

Summers brought the condition to the attention of Sen. Brian Bushweller, D-Dover North, who approached the Governor about declaring July Vitiligo Awareness Month.

“When I learned of the mental anguish this disease can create, I felt it was only right to help Barbara’s efforts to expand awareness and to try to help others suffering this illnesses societal side effects,” Bushweller said. “I applaud her efforts to create a support group to give Vitiligo victims around Delaware draw strength from each other.”

Summers said she was grateful for the support she’s received from the state.

“I think this will do good by bringing attention to it,” she said. “With the support of people like Gov. Markell and Sen. Bushweller, I hope we can make more people aware and help find people with Vitiligo, family members or friends so they can get the support they need.”