Every individual is born uniquely special and undeniably beautiful. One of the most amazing aspects of humanity is that no two people are exactly alike, and as time goes on, we’re becoming more accepting and appreciative of our differences.
Nicole Lucas Hallson is raising two wonderful children, her son Asher and daughter Winry, while also on a mission to show that our imperfections make us perfect. She aims to affirm that her baby daughter, born with a rare birthmark, is beautiful just as she is.
According to Good Morning America, little Winry Hall was born with a rare skin condition called congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). At just 13 months old, Winry stands out from her peers due to a large birthmark covering about a quarter of her face.
Nicole, who works as a teacher, was understandably shocked and worried when the nurses first handed Winry to her after a February 2021 delivery. Having had a relatively normal pregnancy, she never expected her daughter to have any skin condition. On her blog, Nicole recalls, “I was lucky to have a pretty average pregnancy! I had morning sickness from about weeks 8-14, but as soon as that let up I felt great until the tiredness kicked in the last month.” Although the medical staff noticed the CMN during delivery, they only offered congratulations for a smooth birth and reassured her that all of Winry’s vital signs were good.
After nursing her newborn, Nicole initially mistook the prominent mark on Winry’s head for a bruise. “It was then quickly apparent to my husband and me that it wasn’t a bruise—it looked more like a mole,” she explained.
In her blog, Nicole described the mix of emotions she felt after the excitement of labor faded, admitting that worry soon took over. She recognized the mark’s resemblance to a mole but had never seen anything like it before, leaving her anxious about its potential impact on her daughter’s health. With no explanation offered by the nurses at the time, she simply held her daughter close and showered her with love.
A report by the National Organization for Rare Diseases explains that CMN can appear as light brown or black patches and may vary significantly in size, appearing anywhere on the body.
Now, Nicole and her partner are determined to celebrate their daughter’s uniqueness and encourage others to see differences as something to be proud of rather than hidden. “For many, this is the first time seeing a birthmark like hers, and that’s part of why I enjoy sharing our story,” Hall said. She added that it’s a valuable conversation for parents and children alike—especially for those whose kids have similar birthmarks or differences—to feel represented.
Because Winry’s birthmark might increase her risk for melanoma, her parents take extra precautions to protect her skin. However, Nicole confesses that her biggest concern is the possibility of her daughter facing bullying as she grows up. “Her health and happiness are our top priority. We make sure to use sunscreen regularly and take precautions like wearing hats,” Hall explained to Good Morning America. She also noted that regular dermatology appointments are likely to become essential as Winry grows older.
Winry herself is a joyful, energetic little girl who embodies everything a baby should be. “She just radiates joy. She’s almost always laughing or squealing,” Hall shared. “She’s the happiest baby I have ever seen. Although she’s only just starting to talk, she’s already very expressive and a bit sassy, so I think we’re in for a lively ride.”