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.

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.

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.