Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in March 2022.

Nicole Hall, a determined mother, is on a mission to celebrate her daughter’s extraordinary beauty and individuality.

Her 13-month-old daughter, Winry, was born with a rare congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), a distinctive birthmark that sets her apart from other children. Initially, Nicole and her husband were taken aback by the birthmark’s appearance, with Nicole admitting, “When they first handed her to me, I thought it was a bruise, but it was quickly apparent that it was not. It resembled a mole.”

According to a report from the National Organization for Rare Diseases by Dr. Harper Price of Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Dr. Heather Etchevers of Marseille Medical Genetics, CMN can manifest as light brown to black patches and can cover various sizes and areas of the body.

Instead of succumbing to sadness about her daughter’s condition, Nicole turned to the power of social media to raise awareness about CMN and send an essential message: “Being different is your superpower.” She aims to enlighten those who have not previously come across such a birthmark and to offer support and representation to children and parents facing comparable challenges.

While Winry’s CMN diagnosis may heighten her risk of melanoma, Nicole’s primary concern is the potential for bullying as her daughter grows older. To protect Winry, she diligently takes extra precautions like applying sunscreen and ensuring she wears protective hats. Regular dermatology appointments will be crucial as Winry grows.

However, what truly distinguishes Winry is her vibrant personality. Nicole describes her as an exuberant baby who radiates happiness. Winry is known to be a chatterbox, already displaying a bit of feistiness. Her family anticipates they will have their hands full with this spirited and lovable child.

Nicole’s TikTok account has amassed a substantial following, enabling her to connect with people from around the world who share similar experiences with CMN. This digital community has evolved into a platform for support and understanding, reinforcing the message that embracing one’s uniqueness is empowering and beautiful. In Nicole’s words, “This is a good conversation for parents with their children to see kids have differences, or for those parents who do have a kid that looks like Winry or has any kind of birthmark to see their child represented.”

The story of Nicole and Winry exemplifies a mother’s unwavering commitment to her daughter’s well-being, promoting awareness, and celebrating the extraordinary beauty found in diversity.