Growing up with Congenital Melanocytic Nevi (CMN), Khalid Bethea spent years battling insecurity, isolation, and fear of judgment. Through family support, life experience, and learning to embrace himself fully, he discovered that strength is not about hiding differences -it is about living authentically. In this Men & CMN feature, Khalid shares his journey toward confidence, vulnerability, and finding value far beyond appearance.

When Chris Skinner’s daughter Sophia was born with Congenital Melanocytic Nevi (CMN), fear and uncertainty quickly became part of their family’s story. But over time, Chris learned that fatherhood was not about having all the answers- it was about showing up. Through surgeries, stares, faith, and hard conversations, he has learned to help Sophia live confidently, love deeply, and move through life without letting CMN define her.

For rare disease families, conference is more than an event — it can become the beginning of lifelong friendship, understanding, and support. This heartfelt story follows two families who met at their very first Nevus Outreach Conference when their sons, both diagnosed with CMN and NCM, were just infants. Sixteen years later, their connection continues to remind us that community can change the rare disease journey forever.

This summer, Nevus Outreach is bringing our community together through Summer Campfire Chats—a virtual series focused on connection, support, and education for individuals and families impacted by CMN and related conditions. From conference experiences and research updates to emotional support and meaningful moments, each monthly chat is designed to remind you that you are never alone. Pull up a seat, bring your story, and join us this summer.

Growing up with a visible nevus wasn’t always easy, but it taught me something powerful: I can’t control how others react, only how I respond. Choosing kindness over anger helped me find confidence in my own skin. What once felt like a challenge has become one of my greatest gifts—shaping me into someone who leads with empathy, strength, and self-acceptance.