“I love my hair, I love my skin, I love myself, outside and in!” I created this affirmation to instill confidence in my daughter before she could voice her pain. She was born with severe eczema, and within weeks of birth, her fragile skin thinned, bled, and lost pigment. I understood the psychological impact and knew she would search for identity within me; I taught her that the voice of confidence must be trained to see beauty in every reality, and I made sure she could hear it in mine.

When my daughter was an infant, the sensitivity of her single-layer skin prompted me to learn to crochet and sew clothes. She's a Halloween baby, so costumes are a must for her birthday! I research yarn fibers, fabrics, and techniques endlessly. Now, at 7 years old, she hovers over my every move when she knows I’m creating something special for her. The look of sheer joy, when she sees herself and feels soothed in my handmade designs, reduces her father and me to tears. These memories I cherish.

Our daughter's eczema is finally manageable, so her Father and I would love to surprise her with a play area in the backyard! She also has numerous food allergies, so I would start my garden and expand her food options. Finally, I would fund my desire to publish my children's book helping kids build their understanding of eczema, reinforce confidence despite scars, and read about ways they can still enjoy childhood with limitations.