Our PWS experience has shaped who we are and how we think. It has also been a factor in shaping our values and how we view and treat fellow human beings. Listening to the voices on our Birthmarks newsgroup for several years now, there often seems to be threads of a common voice, values and sensitivity that radiates from most of the discussions. Most of us wouldn't choose to change our inner selves. But that does not keep us from wishing the journey could have been or could be less difficult.

Adolescence can be a particularly painful time. Speaking for myself, birthmark issues were often entangled with the self esteem issues one faces during that period. For me, the confusion that developed seemed to make the birthmark issues larger than reality. Unfortunately, it seemed there was really no one to talk with outside of the home to help sort out these thoughts and issues. At this stage in life, parental and other family support did not carry as much weight as peer acceptance or self perception. It came to a point where a personal crisis developed as I seemed to think all of my self perceived problems were birthmark related.

After several months of being in this unhappy state, I was introduced to a plastic surgeon who offered skin grafting as an option for treating a birthmark. He explained the pros and cons of this treatment, which is no longer practiced. He didn't really advocate or push for it. He said "pancake" makeup could be a better option. As a teenage male, my experience with makeup was a failure. In desperation I opted for the grafting - against the wishes and advice of my parents.

Would my decision-making have been very different back then if I had been able to converse with a birthmark buddy, someone with a voice similar to many of those we hear from during the daily discussions of our Birthmarks newsgroup?

I often think how important the PWS newsgroup, the Birthmarks Newsletter and Birthmarks.com have become to so many of us. There is a wealth of information on improvements in appearance and medical treatment for related health issues. There is also the invaluable personal support and advice we give each other.

For a while Birthmarks.com has informally supported mentoring. Over the next few months I will be helping to make this a formal program. Our first task is to recruit Angel Kiss mentors. Can you help our birthmark buddies in need of support while facing the issues of living with a birthmark? To volunteer please contact me by e-mail: angelkiss@birthmarks.com.

I would like to hear your suggestions, comments, and concerns about the Angel Kiss Mentoring program even if you do not have time to volunteer as a mentor right now.

Jay Franco, Director
Angel Kiss Mentoring Program
angelkiss@birthmarks.com