Be Brave with Mallory

💜 Happy World Vitiligo Day! 💜 I was so happy to attend the Minnesota premiere of “More than Our Skin” at Showplace Icon Theaters tonight! What a special film featuring familiar and beloved faces in the vitiligo community. I appreciate all the leadership of the people in the film and in the world that helped make it easier for me to accept and embrace my vitiligo. Lots of famous buildings in Minnesota will be lit purple tonight for Vitiligo Awareness too. Remember, the main thing is to love yourself first. Embrace your differences. And then, go out there and be brave! #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends

Vitiligo Awareness Month 💜 Vitiligo Fast Fact 10 Where can I learn more about Vitiligo? There are several organizations that educate, inspire, or support those living with vitiligo! Check out the following website to learn more and follow my journey @be_brave_with_mallory ! Information: 💜 globalvitiligofoundation.org 💜 aad.org Support: 💜 vitfriends.org 💜 livingdappled.com . #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends

Vitiligo Awareness Month 💜 Vitiligo Fast Fact 9 Can dogs get Vitiligo? Yes! Just like Angel (the main character in my new book, Angel's Big Splash: A Pup Prep Book about Loving the Skin You're In, coming out late 2024), dogs and other animals CAN develop vitiligo. Follow @habstrittbooks for updates on the book launch. : What does Vitiligo feel like? Vitiligo patches feel like the skin surrounding them. The patches feel like normal skin. . #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends

Vitiligo Awareness Month 💜 Another purpose of advocacy is to make connections with lawmakers and decision makers to help them better understand your cause. I want to ensure insurance companies pay for vitiligo treatment for those that seek it. I want to ensure scientific research is funded to help treat vitiligo and other skin conditions. I want lawmakers to vote for policies that support these concerns. I attended Youth Day at the Capitol this February where I met Minnesota State Senator Alice Mann @senalicemann and Representative Heather Edelson @heatheredelson and discussed my concerns and shared my story. It was easy and fun! I encourage you to meet with your elected officials on topics that are important to you! Pro tip: Google "who is my state representative" to get started today 🇺🇸 . #VitiligoAdvocacy #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends

Vitiligo Awareness Month 💜 Vitiligo Fast Fact 8: What does Vitiligo feel like? Vitiligo patches feel like the skin surrounding them. The patches feel like normal skin. These photos are a flashback to 2020 when I had a check-up withe my pediatric dermatologist at the University of Minnesota. I love Dr. Polcari! . #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends

Vitiligo Awareness Month 💜 Earlier this week, I joined members of the Minnesota VITFriends community, led by the inspiring Alicia Roufs at a City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota I was impressed by the members and how they seemed to genuinely care about what we had to say. They issued a Proclamation recognizing World Vitiligo Day on June 25th! The Mayor is even going to attend the "More Than Our Skin" Minnesota Film Premiere next week! A great way to process and even celebrate a new or exisiting diagnosis about a seen or unseen difference is to connect with a local support group. I might seem scary at first, but trust me, it is worth it! Photo credit: Alicia Roufs #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends

Vitiligo Awareness Month 💜 Vitiligo Fast Fact 7: Is there a cure for Vitiligo? No, but there are several treatment options that have helped reduce patches. Treatment options are personalized and have varying results. I've tried different things including creams and light therapy. Interestingly, one of my legs responds better to the therapies than the other. My doctor said it can be normal for one side to react differently than the other. . #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends

Vitiligo Awareness Month 💜 One way I advocate is by telling my story. Check out the Lake Minnetonka Magazine June 2024 issue which just hit the news stands. My story is featured and I'm honored and grateful that I was interviewed and included in their June issue! When pictures and stories of people who have vitiligo are in mainstream media, it demystifies the condition. Thank you to the entire team at @lakeminnetonkamag for featuring me during Vitiligo Awareness Month! #mallorysmessage #lakeminnetonkamagazine @habstrittbooks #angelsbigsplash /MalloryMagazine Photography: @c_emeott Interviewer / Author: Emily Gedde . #VitiligoAdvocacy #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends @wiseink

Vitiligo Awareness Month 💜 Vitiligo Fast Fact 6: Where does Vitiligo appear on the body? Vitiligo can appear anywhere on the body. Common locations include the face, hands, forearms, and feet. . #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends

Vitiligo Awareness Month 💜 Vitiligo Fast Fact 5: If Vitiligo the same as freckles or birthmarks? No, Vitiligo is the absence of melanin. Freckles are areas on the skin that have hyperpigmentation, or extra melanin. There are some birthmarks that look lighter than normal skin color, but it is very rare to be born with vitiligo. My vitiligo appeared in early childhood. . #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends

Vitiligo Awareness Month 💜 Vitiligo Fast Fact 4: Why do some people get Vitiligo? People can't catch vitiligo from other people. It is not contagious like a cold or the flu. Vitiligo patches appear on a person's body because of an autoimmune disorder. It is still bit of a mystery as to why some people develop this autoimmune disorder. Some triggers include skin trauma and hereditary links. Researchers are working hard to better understand Vitiligo. . #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends

Vitiligo Awareness Month 💜 Advocacy can be as simple as leading by example. Getting out there and sharing your story can be healing, empowering, and even fun! I'm honored to be featured in the The iam Dream Magazine - Spring 2024 issue! Thank you to the entire team at @nationalamericanmiss for featuring me during Vitiligo Awareness Month! Check out the entire magazine here: http://bit.ly/dream-magazine-spring24 . #VitiligoAdvocacy #vitiligo #vitiligoawareness @iammalloryhagen @be_brave_with_mallory @thenamminnesota @annaleehagenhabstritt @confidenceandpoise @nationalamericanmiss @iam_thepageantpowerhouse #growingconfidence #pageants #namiss @minnesotavitfriends