Who we are
VITFriends was created to be a resource and a social network for individuals with the condition known as vitiligo. We are a community of individuals who understand the challenges of living with vitiligo. Our mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy to individuals and families affected by vitiligo. We are here to support the whole person, mind, body, and spirit.
Our mission
Like the guidance of the North Star, our mission is to raise public awareness and offer education about vitiligo. To support and encourage our members and to enhance the Quality of Life of those with vitiligo through our annual conference, networking and sharing of information.
Our vision
Our vision is to inspire Hope, as we bring the Vitiligo Community together. To UNITE for the purpose of supporting, encouraging and building each other, as we provide a listening ear and a sounding board for each other. To one day see Vitiligo Legislation and Financial Support that will enable us to strengthen and support our National Vitiligo Community.
Our history
In 2004 an idea was BORN...
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In 2005 Valarie joined VSI and logged in as VITFriends and there she met Patricia of NY; Millicent of CT and Perry of TX.
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In 2006 - the first physical meeting with Patricia and Valarie.
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In 2007 - team traveled to Williamsburg, VA to attend the VSI conference and seek permission to become an affiliate of VSI. Permission denied.
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In 2009 - VITFriends officially launched in Boston, MA followed by annual conferences.
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In 2014 - became a registered 501c3 non-profit MA organization. Held our 5th annual conference in New York.
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In 2015 - organized our first Vitiligo RALLY on the MA State House Steps with Dr. John Harris and Yan Valle of VRF, with the assistance of Mary-dith Tuitt, then legislative aide to Rep. Gloria Fox.
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In 2016 - organized the Inaugural Vitiligo WVD RALLY on the US Capitol Steps. Adopted Purple as our color.
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In 2017 - collaborated with VSTRONG & Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI.
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In 2018 - co-hosted the National Vitiligo Conference (WVD) with 311 attending at the University of Massachusetts/Worcester, MA. Connected LIVE on screen with Vitiligo Groups in China, Africa, Australia and France.
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In 2019 - partnered with Houston Vitiligo Awareness Movement (HVAM) to see a successful Vitiligo Conference with several hundreds attending. Launched the first Book Library drive distributing Vitiligo Story books to elementary schools across the USA. Partnered with Yan Valle of the Vitiligo Research Foundation.
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In 2019-2020 - worked to see changes to the NIH website about Vitiligo. Collaborated with TUFTS Health Plan and Dr. Paul Kasuba, senior vice president and chief medical officer to see insurance coverage for Vitiligo.
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In 2021 - worked on rebranding our organization - Belong. Empower. LIVE. Launched our TEEN Vitiligo group to offer community service to teenagers. Expanded our PODCAST from 30 minutes to ONE hour, sponsored by MyVitiligoTeam and added NC co-leader Mark Braxton. Added 3 new affiliate groups and launched Vitiligo on Clubhouse. Production begins on first-ever documentary film featuring Valarie, Katrina, Alicia, Millicent, and Patricia, titled More Than Our Skin.
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In 2021 - Valarie Molyneaux testifies before the FDA for an approved Vitiligo treatment.
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In 2022 - hosted our WVD Conference in Bloomington, MN with Our VITFriends Marketing Director/Group Leader Alicia Roufs and Assistant Tiffany Onischuk.
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In 2022 - October, VITFriends along with Dr. John Harris, met with U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern to address a National Vitiligo Act.
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In 2023 - June, VITFriends, along with Dr. John Harris and members of the Vitiligo community, held a State House Rally with Representative Rob Consalvo.
Contact Us
Address
912 River Street - Rear
Boston, MA 02136-3705
Contact
844-374-3639 (844-FRIENDZ)
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
​Sunday
9:00 am – 9:00 pm