Katie Allen                                    
CMTC, Vascular disorder
Canada

I was diagnosed with Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita (CMTC) when I was about three months old. The condition affects the right side of my body and the left side of my face, as well as my skin and skull. Along with the birthmark, I have undergrowth on the right side of my body, resulting in a limb length difference of about three centimetres in my legs. I wear shoes that are two sizes apart, and my right arm is smaller than my left. My right side also tends to retain fluid, which changes its appearance, and I have some fine motor difficulties that make activities like typing and writing painful in my wrists.

I also live with hypermobile joints, meaning all my joints move more than they should. My hips, especially on the right side, can dislocate easily, which increases my risk of injury. Growing up active, I enjoyed sports like basketball and soccer, but I had to be more body-aware than my peers. I experienced knee injuries and learned early to avoid activities or movements that could cause harm.

At the age of 12, I began laser therapy specifically green light treatment on my face to address the marks around my eyes. This was not just for appearance; the pressure in my eyes had been rising, creating a risk of glaucoma. Over the next 18 years, I underwent numerous treatments, which successfully brought my eye pressure back to normal. Looking back, technology has advanced so much that if I were starting treatment today, it might only take one or two sessions to achieve what took me many years. At the time, each session was impactful but not as powerful as the treatments available now.

Laser therapy left me with significant facial bruising after each session, which often attracted attention in public. As a child, my community understood my condition it was just part of who I was, much like someone having red hair. But in public spaces, especially after treatments, I had to face more questions and stares. Over time, I learned to distinguish between people looking out of curiosity and those looking out of genuine concern. Many who approached me were worried I might have been hurt. Realizing this helped me respond with compassion to their compassion, instead of reacting with frustration.

Throughout my life, I have embraced physical activity but with self-awareness. I played basketball and soccer, rode horses, and enjoyed swimming, but I always listened to my body. I never let my condition completely stop me from trying something new, yet I recognized when something was too much. For example, I tried rugby for a year, but the physical demands the falls and leg grabs were too rough for me, and I knew it was best to stop for my safety.

Today, I am nearing the end of my laser treatment journey and feel grateful for the medical advances that have helped manage both the cosmetic and medical aspects of CMTC. More importantly, I have learned that my condition is part of me, but it does not define me. I have developed resilience, self-awareness, and a mindset of openness. Whether on the sports field or in everyday life, I focus on what I can do, adapt when needed, and approach others with the same compassion I hope to receive. Living with CMTC has taught me that everyone faces challenges some visible, some invisible and navigating life with empathy and courage makes all the difference.

Courtesy of CMTC-OVM