Changing the Face of Beauty (CTFOB) is a nonprofit organization that encourages the integration of all individuals into advertising and media. I am thrilled to help spread the word about this wonderful organization.

Please take a moment to read about CTFOB and to learn about my friend, Kristen, and her son, Micah, who brightens the world with his twinkling eyes and beautiful smile! #ChangingTheFaceOfBeauty #IMready

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Changing the Face of Beauty

Photographer and blogger Katie Driscoll, a mother of 6, came up with the idea of Changing the Face of Beauty after her daughter was born with Down Syndrome. It was founded on the belief that the beauty in all of us deserves to be celebrated and represented in the world of advertising.

Through tireless efforts and the help of mindful organizations, companies, and media outlets, the CTFOB campaign has grown. The initial goal was to obtain commitments from 15 companies to include models with visible differences in their 2015 advertising. This campaign (#15in2015) has far surpassed its goal and has received commitments from 103 companies.

CTFOB is continuing to encourage retailers, big and small, from around the world to include models with visible differences in their advertising using the #ChangingTheFaceOfBeauty and#IMREADY campaigns.

“We are thrilled by the support of companies across the globe!  We would not be able to Change the Face of Beauty without the commitment of these companies to include models with visible differences in their 2015 advertising.  We hope through this effort people living with a disability or a visible difference feel they are seen and represented in the world they are living in.” – Katie Driscoll

Kristen & Micah

One of my dearest friends, Kristen Skaff Brechler, has a son with Down Syndrome. In honor of Mother’s Day, I wanted to mention her and Micah. Kristen is a very special mother. She amazes me every day with her strength, patience, and knowledge. Kristen spends hours a week making sure Micah gets to his therapy appointments, stays on top of the latest research and treatment modalities, and advocates for him in the school and healthcare systems to ensure he gets proper care and attention.

Interview with Kristen:

Q. How did you hear about the Changing the Face of Beauty Campaign?

A. In late December of 2014, Heather Bradley of the DSDN (Down Syndrome Diagnostic Network) shared the link to #changingthefaceofbeauty in a post and I checked it out. There I learned about the campaign (#15in2015 now #100in2015) to get more retailers to use people of all abilities in their advertising.

 

Q. What were your first thoughts about the campaign?

A. At the time I learned about this campaign there was a lot of press surrounding Heather Bradley’s daughter Izzy. Izzy was featured in a Target advertisement before Christmas. Somehow this caused a big stir. For us it wasn’t so surprising. Izzy is one of Micah’s friends. As a family we see MANY amazing beautiful faces on a regular basis through our support group and other activities. But the fact that this caused such a stir, made me realize that something needed to be changed.

I like that the CTFOB campaign challenges the notion of perfection. Beauty comes in so many forms. This campaign celebrates the notion that beauty comes from within. Beauty is not having a perfect body or face, beauty is letting the inner you shine.

 

Q. What does this campaign mean to you and your family?

A. Media tends to paint a picture of perfection and uses ideals that no one can live up to. Yet, that’s not reality. We all live different and messy lives. Sometimes that is easy to see on the outside because of how we look or our mannerisms, but other times that’s hidden inside.

This campaign emphasizes that our child is beautiful. And people of all abilities should be allowed the same opportunities as others. It shows support that our messy lives are not any different than others. It includes and brings awareness to a group of people who often are forgotten, excluded and in the past have been shunned from society. It gives hope that together we can change the perceptions of those around us so one day we will fully accept people who are different and accept the beauty that is within each of us.

 

Q. What would you like my readers to know about Micah?

A. Micah is a funny, smart, joyful kid. He’s 5 years old and loves to play baseball, basketball and swim. He is independent, motivated, and loves to learn. He uses sign-language to communicate and is working hard on developing his speech. Micah has Down Syndrome and has probably endured more challenges that most kids his age, but he is resilient. Through the tough times he continues to have the most joyful and loving spirit. We are blessed to have him. More importantly, we believe the world is a better place because of him.

Micah is a bright light, a bundle of joy, and a kind soul. Micah and his buddies are ready to change the face of beauty. You can help them by supporting those retailers who are already participants in CTFOB, and by reaching out to your favorite retailers who aren’t yet participating by sending them a message via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media outlets. It takes just a couple of seconds to make a difference.

Here are some sample messages for you to share on social media:

FOR TWITTER:

Hey @(your favorite retailer)! Be a part of the #ChangingTheFaceOfBeauty campaign: represent all of us in your #advertising. PLEASE RT.

 

FOR INSTAGRAM:

Hey @(your favorite retailer) #IMREADY for change. We want YOU to include models with visible differences in your #advertising. We know you see us. Represent us. #ChangingTheFaceOfBeauty #Causes #Change #DoGood #SocialGood

 

FOR FACEBOOK:

Hey @(your favorite retailer) #IMREADY for change. We want YOU to include models with visible differences in your #advertising. We know you see us. Represent us. http://goo.gl/EzrCHw #ChangingTheFaceOfBeauty #Causes #Change #DoGood #SocialGood  PLEASE SHARE.

 

FOR GOOGLE+:

Hey +(your favorite retailer) #IMREADY for change. We want YOU to include models with visible differences in your #advertising. We know you see us. Represent us. http://goo.gl/EzrCHw #ChangingTheFaceOfBeauty #Causes #Change #DoGood #SocialGood  PLEASE SHARE.

#IMREADY, are you?