In your face (BBC) {life with a birthmark -- loveyourmark.com}

[eppur_se_muova]

By Denise Winterman
BBC News Magazine

In a world obsessed by looks, those living with facial disfigurements often find things a struggle. But they are now learning they can be different and be happy.

At just eight years old Beverley Fulker started wearing thick, greasy foundation to hide the port wine stain birthmark on her face.

"My face looked as if it were covered in mud because of the amount of make-up I put on. It looked awful but I didn't think I had any other option, it was still better than showing my birthmark."

She continued to camouflage it for a further 28 years, until two years ago. Now she has set up a website called Love Your Mark to encourage others to embraced their birthmarks as part of who they are and start feeling better about themselves.

People from around the world started contacting her through the site and she soon realised that those with prominent birthmarks experience the same problems. She also realised there was no one saying it was OK to be yourself, to embrace your mark instead of hiding it.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/5194394.stm

Posting on the off chance that this could make anyone's life better -- seems worth the risk:
http://www.loveyourmark.com

[Lerkfish]

1. great idea! she needs a better webmaster, though

I applaud this. I've known a few folks with facial disfigurements in my life, and have always bristled at some of the stares/comments they received.

For some reason, facial disfigurement is a real impediment to OTHER people's perceptions.

Another is if you appear lame. I have gout, which, untreated, sometimes causes me to limp or have to have a cane. I noticed a distinct difference in how I was treated if I limped. Such a little, meaningless thing. But oh how people treat you poorly for it.