As a registered non-profit, the Vitiligo Research Foundation (VRF) takes transparency as seriously as some people take their morning coffee. Our tax return forms are publicly available on our website under Financial Information tab since we received non-profit status. 

Now, let’s dive into the whirlwind of VRF’s 2024 activities.

January–February

• Presented the AI-Guide on Vitiligo at the IMCAS Congress in Paris, showcasing its text-based capabilities to an eager audience.
• Introduced the newest edition of A No-Nonsense Guide To Vitiligo to attendees at our sponsored booth.
• Kicked off the World Vitiligo Day 2024 campaign with an organizing committee meeting.
• Expanded the Vitiligo Patient Journey Map into three more languages, bringing the total to nine and making it accessible to even more people worldwide.
• Debuted AI-News on Vitiligo, featuring AI news anchors delivering short, engaging video updates.

March-April

• Showcased the “AI-Guide on Vitiligo” on the sidelines of the AAD congress in San Diego, garnering attention for its innovative approach.
• Celebrated Incyte’s “See What’s Possible” campaign at the AAD Congress, a testament to the growing pharmaceutical investment in vitiligo R&D inspired by our advocacy.
• Co-sponsored Expert Recommendations on Pediatric Vitiligo Care, setting new standards for vitiligo treatment among younger patients in the USA.
• Earned top honors for the AI-Guide at the Iasi Dermatological Spring Conference, cementing its role as a leading resource.

May-June

• Moved the World Vitiligo Day 2024 headquarters from the Dominican Republic to Colombia, marking a vibrant shift in focus.
• Organized a highly successful WVD event in Cali, with a former Miss Universe leading PR and social media efforts.
• Launched partnerships with VITFriends, Colourful Connections, and VIPOC, strengthening collaboration across the community.
• Expanded our educational activities into pediatric dermatology sphere: first, in Italy and later, in Argentina.

July-August

• Wrote a comprehensive History Of The World Vitiligo Day to recognize and thank those unsung heros of the campaign
• Concluded AI-News on Vitiligo due to low engagement but gained valuable insights for future projects.
• Developed new AI tools designed to boost productivity and serve as a foundation for upcoming initiatives.

September-October

• Announced a collaboration with the Canadian startup Skinopathy, combining efforts to enhance AI-powered skincare solutions for vitiligo patients.
• Partnered with Frontiers in Medicine on a special issue titled “Vitiligo: From Obscurity to Spotlight – Advancing Care with New Therapies and AI.”
• Released the Vitiligo Patient Journey Map in 10 languages into the public domain, significantly increasing its global accessibility.

November-December 

• Presented the AI-Guide, now with real-time, interactive video capabilities, at the VIPOC conference in Cairo.
• Transformed the "AI-News On Vitiligo" project into a weekly podcast Deep Dive in Vitiligo narrated by two life-like AI-hosts.
• Published "World Vitiligo Day: Lessons from Mexico's Annual Headquarters and Its Real-World Impact" in Frontiers in Medicine.
• Delivered the final 2024 update of our exclusive report Vitiligo Market Insights and Biotech Pipeline Analysis.
• Updated a step-by-step guide How To Start A Vitiligo Support Group with the latest from the brightest minds. 

Throughout the year, we:

• Supported vitiligo support groups in Kenya, Uganda, and the Caribbean through the Vitiligo Library Grant program.
• Launched a dedicated Clinical Trials section on our website, helping patients connect with vital research opportunities.
• Facilitated patient recruitment for various vitiligo research studies.
• Shared insights on how diet and nutrition influence vitiligo, including an eyebrow-raising look at the potential benefits of moderate red wine consumption.
• Investigated the unexpected perks of vitiligo, lovingly nicknamed “White Armour,” which seems to fend off colds, cancers, and even Parkinson’s disease.

The highlight of our year was undoubtedly the evolution of our flagship project, the "AI-Guide on Vitiligo." What began 2024 in advanced text mode graduated to audio by mid-year and culminated in real-time video capabilities with interactive widgets. By year-end, it wasn’t just a resource; it was the Swiss Army knife of vitiligo support—comprehensive, versatile, and an essential companion for patients and professionals alike.

2024 was a year of groundbreaking progress and collaboration for VRF, and with the momentum of our achievements, we look forward to making 2025 an even more transformative year for the vitiligo community worldwide.