.png)
We just needed
answers.
- Chelsea
A Mother's Words
When Caylee was born, their parents were told they had congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). The doctors explained what they could, but there were no clear answers to the most pressing questions:
What does this mean for their health?
Will they be at a higher risk of melanoma?
How do we prepare for the future?
For months, the family felt alone, searching the internet late at night, finding more fear than facts. What finally changed everything was discovering Nevus Outreach. They found community, expert guidance, and most importantly, the promise that research is moving forward.
Progress in CMN research is what will transform the future for children like Caylee. Every study, every data point, every clinical discovery brings us closer to understanding risks and creating better treatments. But sustaining this progress takes all of us.
This CMN Awareness Day, every gift you give will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $12,000—fueling research and moving us closer to the answers families desperately need. Together, we can turn uncertainty into knowledge, fear into hope, and isolation into progress.
A Mother's Journey
Chelsea, a seasoned nurse practitioner, found herself facing an unexpected challenge when her fourth child, Caylee, was born. Caylee was diagnosed with congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), a rare skin condition characterized by large, pigmented birthmarks. The diagnosis brought with it a wave of fear, uncertainty, and the weight of postpartum depression.
“Even though I’m a nurse and I know the science behind genetic diseases, I still blamed myself for Caylee being born with CMN. Constantly questioning what I did or didn’t do. I wish I could go back and get the time back that I spent worrying,” - Chelsea.
“It was a normal pregnancy,” Chelsea recalled. “But when Caylee was born, she looked different. I knew it wasn’t Mongolian spots. I’m a nurse.” The initial diagnosis was followed by a whirlwind of emotions as Chelsea sought to understand the condition and its potential implications for Caylee’s future. One of the biggest fears surrounding CMN is the increased risk of developing melanoma. Chelsea admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the constant worry and the pressure to protect Caylee from the sun.
“The first three months were terrible,” she said. “I didn’t really want to bond with her. I didn’t know if she was going to be here long.” - Chelsea.
However, as Caylee grew older and underwent various tests, Chelsea began to see a glimmer of hope. Despite the initial challenges, Caylee was meeting all her milestones, and her scans were normal. The fear of melanoma, though still present, was tempered by the knowledge that many people with CMN live long, healthy lives.
Chelsea’s journey has been marked by resilience, education, and a strong support system. She has connected with other parents who have children with CMN, forming a valuable community of understanding and shared experiences. She has also sought advice from dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and pediatricians to gain a better understanding of the condition and its management.
As Caylee continues to grow, Chelsea remains committed to advocating for her daughter and raising awareness about CMN. She encourages other parents who are facing similar challenges to seek support, educate themselves, and most importantly, to love their children unconditionally.
What is Global CMN Awareness Day?
Global CMN Awareness Day, celebrated on September 28, is an international initiative to raise awareness about Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (CMN), a rare condition characterized by the presence of multiple birthmarks or moles on the skin.
Our mission is to create visibility and support for individuals with CMN, helping to foster greater understanding and acceptance worldwide.
We launched this day to bring together the global CMN community, empower those affected, and educate the public about CMN.
By increasing awareness, we hope to encourage research, promote early diagnosis, and create a more inclusive world where differences are celebrated, not stigmatized.
