by Kara, 15

When I was born the doctors saw a large purple-ish birthmark on my back. They had tried numerous times to have it removed but my mom couldn’t stand seeing me as a baby crying so much.

None of the laser treatment, or whatever it was that they used, worked. So they eventually gave up.

When I was younger I used to cover up having a birthmark and I thought I was a freak. But now that I’m 15 I realized that I am really different and only 3 in 1,000 infants have a birthmark like mine. Mine is shaped like the state of Florida on my left side of my back. And when I tell people I have one, some think its pretty cool, while others think I have a disease or something.

I actually am happy that the docs could never remove it because I like being different. The doctors have thought that since my mom took hot baths while pregnant with me that that may have caused the birthmark but they aren’t sure if that’s what caused it.

This story may have been edited by Children First for Health for editorial and confidentiality reasons only.

For more information contact

• The Birthmark Support Group has information and advice on birthmarks and also skin camouflage. The website also has a list of the specialist birthmark centres in the UK along with contact details.
• The British Red Cross offers advice and help with skin camouflage. Visit their website and use the link 'In your area' to find out what available near you.

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