Frustrated with attempts to end this charity's support of such experiments, Pavlides began her own organization in 1995, the American Vitiligo Research Foundation. The newly-formed foundation is dedicated to supporting only nonanimal research, and indeed the best research on vitiligo does not involve animals at all. Her efforts have earned high praise from leading dermatology researchers at prestigious universities, including Harvard and the University of California, Los Angeles. Beautipharm Biocosmetics, a manufacturer with a new line of skin care products developed specifically for vitiligo patients and others with sensitive skin, has agreed to donate 10 percent of company sales to her foundation. St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa is also a strong advocate of the American Vitiligo Research Foundation and has donated baseball memorabilia to help raise money.
Funding is always an uphill battle, though.
But we can help people with vitiligo without harming and killing animals.