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.

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.

Jonathan has lived with a nevus for nearly five decades, navigating childhood surgeries, public reactions, and ongoing treatments without the promise of a cure. His story is one of endurance, vulnerability, and remarkable strength. By sharing his journey, Jonathan offers insight, understanding, and hope...reminding others that life with a visible difference is not defined by appearances, but by resilience.

Running for Levi: Mike’s Boston Marathon Journey follows a father taking on 26.2 miles with purpose beyond the finish line. What began as a personal challenge became a way to honor his son Levi and give back to the CMN community through Nevus Outreach. Each mile Mike runs represents resilience, hope, and the power of showing up for family and community.

Born with a giant congenital melanocytic nevus, Josefina faces the world with confidence, joy, and courage. Supported by love, family, and community, her story reminds us that true beauty is found in authenticity, and that every visible difference carries a powerful story of strength.

Born at just 27 weeks, baby Luiz entered the world fighting -and he has continued to inspire everyone around him ever since. Alongside the challenges of prematurity, Luiz was diagnosed with Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (GCMN), a rare condition affecting roughly one in every 500,000 births. In this heartfelt blog, Luiz’s mother, Milena Servian, shares the emotional early days of uncertainty, courage, and overwhelming love.

When Jenna’s daughter, Dani, was born with a dark patch on her leg, fear and uncertainty took over- until a late-night hashtag search connected her with another mom, Kristin. Through Nevus Outreach’s online community, Jenna found not just information but hope, friendship, and strength. Today, Dani is thriving, and their families continue to share their journey-proof that one online connection can spark lifelong support and empowerment.