'I was nicknamed zebra and cow': Bullied teen suffering from Michael Jackson's skin disorder lands spot on America's Next Top Model
A 19-year-old girl with a rare skin pigmentation disorder is one of the 14 contestants who has made it on to this summer's round of Tyra Banks' America's Next Top Model.
Chantelle Brown-Young from Toronto was diagnosed with vitiligo - the same condition Michael Jackson had - around the age of four and said growing up she was cruelly nicknamed 'zebra' and 'cow' because of the white patches covering her face and body.
But thanks to her natural beauty she is now fulfillng her dreams of being a model. Her social network accounts reveal that she has already graced the catwalk dozens of times, starred in a music video and last month, she was photographed by Nick Knight, who has lensed everyone from Kate Moss to Karlie Kloss.
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Fulfilling her dreams: Chantelle Brown-Young, 19, who has a rare skin pigmentation disorder is one of the 14 contestants who has made it on to this summer's round of Tyra Banks' America's Next Top Model
She describes herself as a 'vitiligo spokesmodel' on Instagram where she has more than 100,000 followers and she was recently invited back to her high school to do a motivational talk with students touching on the discrimination she faced.
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On the America's Next Top Model website Miss Brown-Young is seen posing in a photograph alongside Tyra Banks.
VITILIGO: WHAT IS IT?
Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin - the pigment that determines the color of skin - die or stop functioning.
The causes slowly enlarging white patches of irregular shapes to appear on the skin over time.
Vitiligo affects all races, but may be more noticeable in people with darker skin.
The exact cause of the condition is unknown, although many experts believe that it is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys certain cells.
There is no cure and the goal of treatment - which can include ointments and skin grafts - is to stop or slow the progression of pigment loss.
The reality TV series - now in its 21st cycle - will air this summer and will feature 'guys and girls.'
In her pitch video, Miss Brown-Young said she wanted to be picked because it’s been 'a lifelong dream' of hers.
She continued: 'I am the underdog and I want to prove that one can follow one’s dreams despite all the flaws and setbacks.'
Supporting her wholeheartedly in her mission to break the fashion industry are her parents and her younger sister,ten-year-old, Christina.
Her mother, Lisa Brown who is originally from Jamaica, told The Gleaner: 'Chantelle is a sweet, beautiful, outgoing teenager.
'I am just so thrilled at [her] turnaround, with her new level of confidence. I can’t stop thanking God for this wonderful blessing.'
Miss Brown-Young first spoke publicly about her skin condition in 2011 by posting a video to YouTube titled 'Vitiligo: A Skin Condition not a Life Changer'.
Not letting the bullies win: The teenager - pictured here in a music video released this year - said growing up she was cruelly nicknamed 'zebra' and 'cow' because of the white patches covering her face and body
Growing pains: Miss Brown-Young was diagnosed with vitiligo - the same condition Michael Jackson suffered from - around the age of four
The then 17-year-old eloquently tells viewers: 'People have black skin, people have brown skin, I have both.
'When I got older, it got harder because when kids get older they get meaner, so I went through a lot of bullying and people calling me like zebra or cow so it was really hard growing up.'
'I am the underdog and I want to prove that one can follow one’s dreams despite all the flaws and setbacks'
She said at certain points she was plagued with suicidal thoughts but found the strength to pull through. Moving from California to Canada with her family also provided the opportunity for a fresh start.
After 'blossoming' Miss Brown-Young said she found it strange when people started telling her how beautiful she was.
'I'll turn pink and say "thank you so much,'" the teenager giggled.
She says that things have worked in her favor because she accepts her originality and has used it to her advantage.
'I loved myself. And with that, opportunities start to fall into my lap. And I thank God for all of them. Try loving yourself,' she concluded.
Career ambition: Thanks to her natural beauty, Miss Bown-Young is now fulfillng her dreams of being a model
Ready for my close-up: The teenager will hit the small screen this summer as a finalist on America's Next Top Model
Miss Brown-Young will be offering more words of wisdom when she hits the small screen in the summer, hoping to raise awareness of her condition.
Vitiligo is a disease in which the pigment cells of the skin, melanocytes, are destroyed in certain areas, resulting in depigmented, or white, patches of skin in any location on the body.
The exact cause of the condition is unknown, although most experts believe that it is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys certain cells.
It affects between 0.5per cent and one percent of the global population.
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