In this powerful episode, we trace the extraordinary rise of World Vitiligo Day (WVD)—from scattered local efforts to a globally recognized health campaign that’s transforming lives.
We begin by going beyond the surface, uncovering the true nature of vitiligo as a serious autoimmune disease with deep psychological and social consequences, especially in underserved regions of Asia and Africa. Through personal stories and expert insights, we explore how early advocates in India, the US, and Nigeria planted the first seeds of change—culminating in a grassroots campaign that caught fire across the globe.
From the emotional spark of the first Purple Fun Day in Lagos to the official launch of World Vitiligo Day in Rome, we follow the movement’s expanding impact through advocacy, research collaborations, and a bold petition to the United Nations. Along the way, we highlight major turning points: the mobilization of Michael Jackson fans, global HQs shifting from country to country, and the transformation of public and scientific interest.
By the episode’s end, we celebrate a major victory: the FDA and EMA approvals of the first-ever topical treatment for vitiligo, a milestone that seemed impossible just a decade earlier.
This episode is supported by Incyte, the biopharmaceutical company behind Opzelura®, the only FDA-approved treatment for vitiligo to date—a major step forward in addressing this long-overlooked condition.
“From Shadows to Spotlight” is a tribute to the patients, advocates, and visionaries who dared to believe in a better future—and made it happen.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.