Is it okay to shun the disfigured? (Warning it talks about the Pope)

[ChazII]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/07/pope-disfigured-neurofibromatosis/3465187/

As one who has this genetic disease and who has been shunned I like this gentleman. My son has been asked to leave restaurants as his appearance caused patrons to lose their appetite. At public pools people with NF have been asked to leave because the other swimmers are afraid of both the looks and the fear of 'catching' what ever the NF person has.

Oh, not to mention the fact that we should not be allowed to have children. Or even better that if we did not have children then NF would just disappear. Would DU tolerate this attitude? Dumb question but not a rhetorical one. If President Obama had hugged and kissed this man's head would it be label as a photo op or one of understanding and compassion?

I realize in the scheme of things there are other groups that have issues far more important than those with NF, but since this disorder may and often does kill ... well a friend who recently posted on a message board says it best:

I just found out that a member of my NF family passed away from a brain tumor. Kyle was 22 .......I HATE NF.....for all the pain it creates, the chronic pain and migraines that I suffer from......from the pain it causes children. An adult can handle the pain, but a child????? A child who may be different because of NF, which causes trouble with learning and comprehending what they have learned.....to the teasing it causes a child with NF.......just b/c they learn differently, look differently.....some people even have the audacity (sp?) to tease an adult becuase of tumors (bumps) on their faces.........sorry for the rant....

With that, I also end this rant and step off my soapbox. Thank you for understanding the pain that my community is experiencing.