Every one of us is born uniquely special, with an undeniable beauty that is entirely our own. One of the most amazing aspects of being human is the individuality that sets us apart. Over time, society has grown better at acknowledging and celebrating the traits that make each of us different.
Nicole Lucas Hallson, a devoted mother, is raising her two incredible children, Asher and Winry. But her mission extends beyond her role as a parent—she is determined to show the world that our perceived imperfections are, in fact, what make us perfect. Through her journey, she reminds everyone that her baby daughter, who has a distinctive birthmark, is beautiful exactly as she is. According to Good Morning America, little Winry Hall was born with a rare skin condition known as congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN).
At just 13 months old, Winry is already standing out, as her unique birthmark covers a quarter of her face. This remarkable characteristic sets her apart in a way that her family celebrates wholeheartedly.
Nicole, a teacher, was initially overwhelmed with concern when the nurses handed her baby to her after delivering Winry in February 2021. Throughout her pregnancy, everything had seemed normal, so she hadn’t anticipated that her daughter would have a skin condition. Reflecting on her pregnancy, Nicole shared on her blog, “I was lucky to have a pretty average pregnancy! I dealt with morning sickness from about weeks eight to 14, but once that passed, I felt great until the exhaustion hit in the last month.”
When Nicole held her newborn for the first time, she recalls the nurses and doctors congratulating her on a smooth delivery and expressing their delight about how healthy Winry was. Yet, as she looked closer at her baby, she couldn’t help but notice the large mark on Winry’s head. Initially, Nicole assumed it was a bruise.
“My husband and I quickly realized it wasn’t a bruise. To me, it looked more like a mole,” she shared on her blog. Nicole also admitted to feeling worried once the initial excitement of giving birth had faded. “I’d never seen anything like it before, and I was concerned about whether it might be dangerous. The nurses hadn’t mentioned it yet, and I didn’t know what to ask. So, I just held her close and poured all my love into her.”
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, CMN can appear as light brown or black patches on the skin, varying in size and location on the body. For Nicole and her husband, this discovery was not something to hide or be ashamed of but rather a feature to celebrate. They hope to inspire others to see differences as sources of pride rather than embarrassment.
Nicole has taken to sharing Winry’s story to raise awareness and spark important conversations. “Many people have never seen a birthmark like Winry’s before, which is one reason I love telling her story,” she said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about how everyone is unique. It also helps parents of children with birthmarks feel like their kids are represented.”
While Winry’s birthmark is a beautiful feature, it does come with health considerations. Her condition puts her at a slightly higher risk for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Because of this, Nicole and her husband take special precautions to protect Winry’s skin. “Her health and happiness are our top priorities,” Nicole said. “We’re diligent about using sunscreen, hats, and other measures to shield her from the sun. Regular dermatology appointments will probably become our best friends as she grows up.”
Beyond these concerns, Nicole also worries about the social challenges Winry might face. Bullying is a concern for any parent, but Nicole is determined to ensure Winry knows she is loved and cherished exactly as she is.
Despite these challenges, Winry’s personality shines brightly. She is a cheerful and lively little girl who embodies the joy and wonder of childhood. “She’s constantly giggling and squealing,” Nicole shared. “I’ve never seen a baby so full of happiness.” Winry’s personality is already beginning to take shape. “She’s quite the chatterbox. We haven’t heard many words yet, but she definitely speaks her mind. She’s also showing a bit of sass, so we’re in for an exciting adventure as she grows up,” Nicole added.
At Newsner, we wholeheartedly believe that differences should be celebrated. Winry is a remarkable little girl with a beautiful soul, and her story is an inspiration to us all. Her journey reminds us that beauty comes in many forms, and our unique qualities are something to treasure.
Please take a moment to share this article on Facebook to send love and encouragement to Winry and her family. Let’s celebrate the message that all children are beautiful in their own unique ways. By sharing stories like Winry’s, we can foster a world where differences are not only accepted but celebrated.