A beautiful baby girl was born with a rare condition that has left her with dark spots all over her body.
Toneka Rogers Robinson (quality analyst) from Dallas, Texas and Justin, 34, her husband, met in highschool and had been together for 17 year before their daughter Jireh was born.
Toneka made sure to keep her appointments with her doctor during her pregnancy. She also performed several tests to make sure that everything went well.
Toneka Rogers, 32, from Dallas, Texas and Justin, 34, welcomed Jireh in June 2021.
Jireh was born in June 2021, a happy and healthy baby, but the couple were initially concerned – because their little was born with dark spots all over her skin.
Toneka, Justin and their doctors quickly reassured Toneka that the marks were not serious and that Jireh is perfectly healthy.
Jireh was diagnosed with Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (CMN) – visible pigmented (melanocytic) proliferations in the skin that are present at birth.
Parents were worried when their newborn was covered in dark spots.
This condition is not genetic and is caused due to faulty development pigment cells in the first three months of pregnancy. This condition affects around one percent of infants worldwide. This condition can increase the risk of Melanoma.
Toneka and Justin began sharing photos of their daughter on Instagram to keep family up to date, but Jireh’s unique appearance garnered attention – and her Instagram account now has more than 11,900 followers.
The couple love being able to share their child with the world and are thrilled for Jireh’s future.
“Justin and me were high school sweethearts. Toneka stated that Toneka and Justin dated for nine years, and they celebrated their eight-year wedding anniversary in February.
“After attending college, we worked in different states and then we married and settled in Dallas in 2013,”
They were relieved when doctors said that the marks were only superficial, and that she was in fact perfectly healthy.
Jireh was diagnosed with Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (CMN) – visible pigmented proliferations in the skin that are present at birth
Unfortunately, they were hit hard by the loss of their newborn daughter Justice in 2019.
“In 2019, we became pregnant with Justice. She was born at 28 weeks early, but her prognosis for recovery was excellent.
“We lost her unexpectedly at just four weeks old.
Toneka & Justin want Toneka’s daughter to accept her differences. They hope that Toneka’s confidence will be able withstand ignorance
“Five Months later, we discovered that Jireh was our first child.
“While still in mourning, we began the process for a high-risk pregnancies. To ensure safety, I had many appointments and tests.
‘Jireh was delivered via planned cesarean at 38 weeks and 2 days.
Due to the surgery screen being pulled down, my husband saw her for the first time. His first words were, “What’s that on her face?”
‘My heart dropped when he said that, due to the loss we had just experienced, but once my doctor said it was just pigmentation marks and she wasn’t in pain, my heart relaxed.
“It was skin pigmentation that he stated, and nothing else really mattered until that moment. It meant that my baby wasn’t in danger of dying, I couldn’t fathom losing another daughter.
“All was right in the world when my husband laid her on top of me,” said my husband.
“Jireh is in good health, and all her tests have been normal.”
Toneka and Justin intend to continue showing Jireh how beautiful her skin is, and they are happy to hear that others agree.
‘I don’t worry as much as I would have if she was growing up when we did. I can’t recall any classmates who had noticeable skin conditions. I’ve connected with several parents of children with similar conditions and learned about their experiences. Toneka stated that she feels like she won’t feel alone.
“CMS is just one condition.” It doesn’t define Jireh or make her less than anyone without it,’ said Toneka
‘Today’s generation is all about inclusion and embracing differences. Winnie Harlow and Seal are just two examples of stars whose skin is different. They’re still accepted for their talents.
‘I’m sure she will receive some less than favorable comments, but her confidence will be able to withstand ignorance.
‘Most adults tend to ask about her skin if they are curious, and we don’t mind educating them.
“I call her beautiful because she is. I love her skin and tell her every day. I will teach her that nobody’s opinion of her matters except her own. Confidence is key.
‘I have had one neighbor’s kid say that she looked yucky, but I didn’t react to his comment, and talked with his mom about it later.
“CMS” is not a diagnosis. It doesn’t define Jireh or make her less than anyone without it.
“My hopes and dreams for her are endless. I pray that we can be the best parents to her and grant her heart’s desires.
“I talk with her about it. She is my child and I treat her as such.
“I call her beautiful because she is. I love her skin and tell her every day.
‘I will teach her that nobody’s opinion of her matters except her own. Confidence and trust are key.
‘My parents instilled in me that I was beautiful – we plan to do the same for her.’