Born in Los Angeles with CMN, Valentina endured seven cosmetic surgeries her doctors said were “necessary.” Looking back, she knows they weren’t. After losing her mother to breast cancer, her sisters became her greatest support. Now 26, Valentina is a photographer and filmmaker in the Pacific Northwest. Finding Nevus Outreach felt like surfacing for air—she’s no longer alone. Her CMN, once a source of fear, has become her superpower of courage and resilience.

When Caitlyn Neuendorf welcomed her daughter Reece, her instincts told her something wasn’t right. What began as reassurance from doctors quickly turned into fear as specialists diagnosed Reece with Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi (GCMN), a rare condition affecting 1 in 500,000 births. Their journey reflects the isolation, anxiety, and resilience families face—and the hope found through connection and community.