Birthmarks are special and unique, marking a person for life. This is the story of Winry, a 13-month-old baby born to Nicole Lucas Hall with a birthmark covering 25% of her face. Her parents were initially worried, thinking it might be dangerous, but doctors assured them it was purely aesthetic. Winry was born with congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), a rare condition affecting 1 in 50,000 births. Nicole recalled, “When they first handed her to me, I thought it was a bruise.”
Nicole turned to social media to spread awareness and acceptance of differences. “For a lot of people, this is the first time seeing a birthmark like hers,” she shared. Her posts encourage conversations about diversity and help parents with similar experiences feel represented.
Health remains a priority, as CMN can slightly increase melanoma risk. Nicole carefully manages sun exposure, ensuring regular dermatologist visits. Despite challenges, Winry is described as a joyful child. “She just radiates joy… She’s the happiest baby I’ve ever seen,” said Nicole.
Nicole has also connected with people worldwide who share similar experiences. One woman in Brazil has a nearly identical birthmark, providing support and friendship. Winry’s older brother, Asher, sees her birthmark as just another trait, like eye color, reflecting the family’s love and acceptance.