top of page

Stronger Together: The Rise of a Nevus Community in Australia


A man in a red sweater kneels beside a child in a swing at a park. The child wears blue boots. Trees and a Shell station are visible.

On Saturday, April 26th, families from across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria gathered in a heartwarming show of unity for a family picnic hosted in partnership with Nevus Outreach and the Rally for Rare campaign.


This milestone event marked the first nevus gathering since 2015 in Australia and served as the official launch of the Nevus Australasia Foundation. Over 40 attendees—including more than 10 nevus owners—came together in a vibrant and supportive environment that fostered new friendships, shared experiences, and a renewed sense of community.


The event held deep personal significance for one of the hosts, Steven Bouris, who was born with a facial nevus. After decades of navigating life without a support network, he shared his story publicly in 2022, and later attended his very first Nevus Outreach Conference in the U.S. in 2024. Inspired by this experience and determined to prevent others from feeling alone on their journeys, Steven and a dedicated team of advocates began laying the foundation for a new organization focused on advocacy, education, and community-building in Australasia.


The Nevus Australasia Foundation aims to provide parents with both expert knowledge and lived experience, ensuring young nevus owners grow up supported and empowered. Its mission includes fostering peer connection, modeling resilience, and promoting broader societal understanding of congenital melanocytic nevi. The success of the family picnic signals just the beginning of this important work.


Special thanks to co-hosts Karyn Manserr and Cath Singe, as well as the board and supporters who helped bring this vision to life. Together, they are forging a future where no one has to face this rare condition alone. At Nevus Outreach, we are honored to stand alongside them as this inspiring new chapter unfolds.


Children play on a circular seesaw in a park, with a man pushing. Trees and a rope climbing structure are in the background. Casual mood.











8 Comments


Guest
6 days ago

When playing Subway Surfers, players will feel like they are participating in a thrilling chase between trains speeding at extremely high speeds.

Like

gemmalyly
May 06

The fact that families traveled from multiple regions to reconnect after so many years shows just how meaningful this gathering was. I’m especially struck by Steven Bouris’s journey—his willingness to share his story and help build a support network for others reflects real courage and purpose. Reading about this kind of unity reminds me how important it is to create spaces where people feel seen and supported. Even in my own downtime, whether I’m relaxing or playing something lighthearted like smash karts unblocked, I appreciate how both small and large communities can bring people together and make experiences more meaningful.

Like

bens
Apr 18

For individuals born with a facial nevus or similar visible Sprunki difference, the challenge often isn’t only medical. It’s social interpretation: how others react, what assumptions get made, and how much energy is spent simply navigating attention or misunderstanding.

Like

coboke
Feb 24

Building a dedicated nevus community in Australia is a meaningful step toward awareness and shared support. Stories like these show how connection can reduce isolation and empower families. In a way, safe spaces like this function much like mathplayground does for learners structured, supportive, and confidence building.

Like

Diane Reese
Feb 12

I find this story genuinely moving—seeing families unite and build support through groups like Nevus Outreach and the new Nevus Australasia Foundation shows how powerful shared understanding can be. Hearing advocates like Steven Bouris speak out reminds me that real connection matters most, far beyond everyday distractions like Cool Games Free.

Edited
Like
Get in touch:

Phone:  501-500-1932

Email: info@nevus.org

​

Address:

361 Southwest Drive, #353

Jonesboro, AR 72404

​

Join Our Team!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Being a part of the community can help nevus owners know that they're not alone. None of us are alone.
Our Mission:

Nevus Outreach is dedicated to driving awareness, fostering a supportive community, and advancing research for people affected by congenital melanocytic nevi and related conditions.

EIN: 59-3455128

Nevus Outreach is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by CMN and NCM.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding medical concerns.

bottom of page