October National Bullying Prevention Month - Carissa's Story with Avene
Many of you guys don’t know but I grew up in China, moved to Germany in elementary school and came to the US in my teens. Moving across 3 continents at a young age taught me that there are many, many, different kinds of people in this world who all look and sound unique. Kids have the ability to be incredibly kind but some unknowingly impactful in a negative way too. I have first handily experienced how it feels to be different and being made fun of for the way I looked and acted, purely because I come from a different cultural background. In the 80s and 90s, bullying wasn’t as big of a topic as it is today. Luckily with strong support from my parents and amazingly kind friends I made along the way, I was able form a strong sense of self confidence.
Fast forward 20 years, I have a daughter of my own. Kai may look different than her friends, coming from an interracial family. Just the thought of her experiencing any kind of bullying makes my heart ache. So, what can we do? I truly believe in power of kindness and education. As mothers, it’s our duty to raise simply kind and compassionate children. October is National Bullying Prevention Month. In the spirit of spreading kindness, I am partnering with Avène to bring awareness to a special little girl’s battle with eczema and bullying.
Carissa Chilson suffers from eczema, an inflammation of the skin that causes redness, itching and dryness, for as long as she can remember. She was called ugly and made felt like a monster because of the bumpy, red rash eczema can cause. Since she was a baby, Carissa’s flare ups left her skin dry and more susceptible to infections. Since these symptoms are super visible, her classmates would taunt her and spread rumors she was infections. Her self-esteem and confidence suffered because of the emotional challenges. After exhausting all traditional and homeopathic avenues, Carissa and her family discovered Avène Hydrotherapy Center which finally gave them hope!
The small French village of Avène is set on the banks of the Orb River, which has a thermal spring flowing through the town. For centuries, this pure water has been known to provide soothing and healing properties. Over 150 clinical studies has proven this water’s efficacy to sooth, calm and soften skin. With Thermal Spring Water as the core of Avène’s products, the brand is known to be the sensitive skin experts whose products guarantee efficacy and safety.
Carissa just finished her third cycle of three-week long treatment programs at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center for three consecutive years. The Avène Hydrotherapy Center draws water directly from the thermal source and treats a varying range of conditions such as Rosacea, Eczema and Psoriasis. Each therapy experience includes dermatological appointments, baths, showers and hydromassages, plus educational sessions. Although there is no cure for eczema, Carissa’s symptoms are much better managed now. She has blossomed mentally and emotionally since her treatments. After watching the video of her story, I cannot help but feel elated for the progress she has made and the impact this had on her family.
To help spread the power of kindness, Avène is donating 100% of the proceeds from the “Kindness is Power” tote bag & kits to the Kind Campaign. Kind Campaign is a nonprofit organization awareness and healing to the negative and lasting effects of girl-against-girl bullying through their global moment, documentary film, in-school assemblies and educational curriculums. Please visit AveneUSA.com/HOPE to learn more and watch Carissa’s story below!
