Nicole Hall, a devoted mother, has made it her mission to celebrate her daughter’s unique beauty and individuality. Her 13-month-old daughter, Winry, was born with a rare skin condition called congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), which gives her a striking birthmark that sets her apart from other children.
“When they first handed her to me, I thought it was a bruise,” Nicole recalled. “But it was quickly apparent that it was not. It resembled a mole.” Despite the initial surprise, Nicole and her husband soon embraced their daughter’s appearance as something special — a mark of her individuality.
Winry’s large birthmark covers part of her head and face, but her parents see it as a symbol of strength and difference. “She’s the happiest baby you’ll ever meet,” Nicole says proudly. “She’s full of energy, laughter, and love.”
Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) is a rare condition characterized by light brown to black patches of skin, which can vary greatly in size and placement. According to Dr. Harper Price of Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Dr. Heather Etchevers of Marseille Medical Genetics, CMN develops before birth due to pigment-producing cells clustering in one area.
Although CMN can carry a slightly increased risk of certain skin complications, most cases are harmless. Still, regular monitoring and medical guidance are recommended for children born with the condition.
For Nicole, awareness and representation are just as important as medical care. Through social media, she shares photos of Winry to promote acceptance and educate others about CMN.
Her posts have inspired countless parents of children with visible differences. “If even one family feels less alone because they see Winry’s story,” Nicole says, “then sharing it is worth it.”
Above all, Nicole hopes her daughter grows up knowing she is beautiful — exactly as she is.
