About Us
Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group, Inc.
Driven by the passion and aspiration to help those affected by Vitiligo, The Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group Inc. (BUVSG) was founded in 2017 and launched in 2018 with our very first meeting. Striving to bring empowerment and outreach to those with Vitiligo in the sunshine state.
Serving as Florida’s sole Vitiligo support group, BUVSG’s mission is to increase public awareness of Vitiligo as well as offer support services to patients and their families through education, healthcare, and resources. Since the foundation of BUVSG Inc. the organization has continued to expand, strengthening bonds within BUVSG and our communities as we work together to eradicate the social stigma surrounding Vitiligo.
Through a combined effort and unrelenting perseverance, we aim to improve the quality of life for all those affected by Vitiligo. Our ultimate desires are to see changes in our communities in areas such as research funding, support group funding, and correct insurance labeling of vitiligo as a disease and not a cosmetic condition.
BUVSG offers patient support through the following ways:
● In person support group meetings throughout Central and South Florida.
● Providing information concerning vitiligo to our group members through our website, social media platforms, and newsletters.
● Promotion of clinical trials, patient surveys, treatment options, and research information.
● Classroom education for Elementary/Middle/High school aged students living with vitiligo.
● Mental Health Education/Resources for children and adults.
With over 250 individuals apart of BUSVG we aspire to uphold our vision to inspire, empower, and encourage every individual affected by changes in appearance from Vitiligo. BUVSG strives to bring positive change to the perception of Vitiligo in all communities within Florida.
Our Team
Executive Director,
Mrs. Tonja Johnson
Some people stand idly on the sidelines and watch life go by while others choose to participate in it and make a difference. Tonja Johnson chose the latter and decided a long time ago to use her voice, talents, creativity, innovation, and perseverance to positively implement change.
Diagnosed with vitiligo in 2014 and finding it extremely challenging to find information and access local support within the state of Florida, Mrs. Johnson founded Beautifully Unblemished Support Group, Incorporated (www.beautifullyunblemished.com) in 2017. Beautifully Unblemished Support Group, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing various types of support, including social connectivity, and plethora of information to those living with the noncontagious skin disease.
Her passion and drive are inspired by her own experiences dealing with vitiligo and learning to embrace the physical changes she faces daily. As a dark-skinned African American kid, she had been teased for having dark skin. Now, as an adult, she is losing the very skin she had worked so hard to love. Therefore, a key mission of Beautifully Unblemished Support Group, Incorporated is to empower individuals to love the skin they are in and to diminish the stigma others place upon those living with vitiligo.
Equipped professionally with an extensive background in the public health service sector, Johnson diligently advocates vitiligo awareness within the state of Florida by educating local and state governmental bodies including mayors, commissioners, and state congressmen and senators. In addition, she also engages with school officials and community activists.
In an effort to raise awareness with wider audiences and inspire those with vitiligo, Mrs. Johnson regularly uses outreaches and various media footprints. She has been featured in local national publications such as the National Institute of Health (NIH) Winter Edition and Central Florida Health News and recently a contributing author in Sistersletter (an AARP publication), SELF Magazine Health and Wellness, and an upcoming co-author in the Journal of Dermatology Nurses Association. She also frequently appears as an advocate on national television channels.
In addition, Johnson actively serves as a member of the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organization (Global Skin), Coalition of Skin Diseases, Vitfriends, Global Vitiligo Foundation, and a board member for Building Strong Families, Incorporated.
Today, Tonja Johnson is married, has one daughter, and currently resides in Lakeland, Florida. In her spare time, she enjoys singing praise and worship, interior decorating, and traveling.
Personal Motto: “My spots don’t define me because I am altogether beautiful, and there is no flaw in me.
Board Members
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Advisory Committee
Medical Advisor
Dr. Seth Forman, MD
Dr. Forman is an award-winning Dermatologist and owner of the ForCare Medical Group. After graduating from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, he completed his residency in dermatology and skin care at the Medical College of Virginia. Following that, he completed an advanced fellowship in dermatopathology at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA as well as the Radiation Oncology Summer Fellow at The Medical College of Virginia and the Microsoft Interactive Fellow at the University of Southern California.
Dr. Forman’s research about various dermatological issues were printed in select publications. Additionally, Dr. Forman is the winner of the AAMC/Pfizer Caring for Community Grant, American Cancer Society Community Service Grant, and Mellette Cancer Scholarship. He is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Hillsborough County Medical Association and The American Medical Association. He is also a Regional Board Member for the American Cancer Society, Board Chair of Hillel Academy and has served as Board Member of The Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME), The Medical College of Virginia.
Financials
Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group, Inc., (BUVSG) is a charitable organization with tax-exempt status granted under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Our Federal ID# is 83-2596112. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
