The University of Mississippi Athletics
Shuler Raises Awareness on World Vitiligo Day
6/25/2019 | Men's Basketball
Basketball Rebel Makes Positive Impact with Skin Condition
OXFORD, Miss. – Every June 25 since stepping onto campus as a freshman, Devontae Shuler has used his platform as a member of the Ole Miss men's basketball team to raise awareness for a skin condition that has affected him – vitiligo. June 25 is known as World Vitiligo Day.
"Vitiligo affects people in many different ways. Some people have a difficult time adjusting to life with this condition," Shuler said. "When I first got vitiligo, I tried to hide it."
Vitiligo (pronounced vit-ill-EYE-go) is a non-contagious skin condition that causes loss of skin color over a person's lifetime. About one percent of the world's population has vitiligo. While there are currently no effective treatments, it is not life threatening. However, Shuler knows the social difficulties that could come with vitiligo, which is why he wants to inform people about the condition.
"Even today, people ask 'What's that on your face?' or 'Did you get burned?' and they're always looking at me doing a double take," Shuler said. "Vitiligo has changed me. Yes it changed me on the outside, but it also changed me on the inside."
Shuler uses vitiligo as extra motivation on the hardwood, showing he is still the quick and energetic basketball player that turned heads in high school before bringing Ole Miss fans to their feet with his slashes to the rim and his active hands that lead to steals on the defensive end.
"I am very comfortable in my own skin and proud of who I am," Shuler said. "My vitiligo gives me an edge that I can bring to the court. I can hoop in front of thousands of people because I am used to being watched. My condition fuels my competitive spirit, and it is who I am."
The Irmo, South Carolina, native saw his impact firsthand during the Rebels' preseason trip to Canada last August. Following the win over Ottawa, Shuler met a female that also has vitiligo. The pair talked briefly before posing for a picture. It was an example of Shuler inspiring others with the skin condition.
"I want to leave a mark on this world just as vitiligo has left a mark on me."
"Vitiligo affects people in many different ways. Some people have a difficult time adjusting to life with this condition," Shuler said. "When I first got vitiligo, I tried to hide it."
Vitiligo (pronounced vit-ill-EYE-go) is a non-contagious skin condition that causes loss of skin color over a person's lifetime. About one percent of the world's population has vitiligo. While there are currently no effective treatments, it is not life threatening. However, Shuler knows the social difficulties that could come with vitiligo, which is why he wants to inform people about the condition.
"Even today, people ask 'What's that on your face?' or 'Did you get burned?' and they're always looking at me doing a double take," Shuler said. "Vitiligo has changed me. Yes it changed me on the outside, but it also changed me on the inside."
Shuler uses vitiligo as extra motivation on the hardwood, showing he is still the quick and energetic basketball player that turned heads in high school before bringing Ole Miss fans to their feet with his slashes to the rim and his active hands that lead to steals on the defensive end.
"I am very comfortable in my own skin and proud of who I am," Shuler said. "My vitiligo gives me an edge that I can bring to the court. I can hoop in front of thousands of people because I am used to being watched. My condition fuels my competitive spirit, and it is who I am."
The Irmo, South Carolina, native saw his impact firsthand during the Rebels' preseason trip to Canada last August. Following the win over Ottawa, Shuler met a female that also has vitiligo. The pair talked briefly before posing for a picture. It was an example of Shuler inspiring others with the skin condition.
"I want to leave a mark on this world just as vitiligo has left a mark on me."
Players Mentioned
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