Memmarks that connect: Nanée Emmerich tells her touching story

Memmarks that connect: Nanée Emmerich tells her touching story

Over 200 stories that are worth to be told: This number is behind the NDR program campaign "United in the north". Since the start of the application call in April of this year, numerous people have submitted their personal experiences, and today, on June 15, 2025, Nanée Emmerich will take a seat on the red sofa as part of this project.

The 49-year-old Nanée has a rare pigment disorder known as the congenital melanocytic nevi (cmn). This disease manifests itself through large birthmarks, numerous liver spots and scars. In a moving review, she describes her childhood with the words: "I was the girl with the turtleneck sweater at 30 degrees, and I thought I was alone." Your story is not only a description of your life with CMN, but also a call to more understanding and acceptance.

What does cmn mean?

As the medical literature states, Congenital Melanocytic Nevi is pigmented lesions that occur in the womb as a result of proliferation of melanocytes and can be found in about 1% of all newborns. These NEVI are classified depending on the size: from small below 1.5 cm to huge NEVI, which can achieve 40 cm or more. Especially with larger NEVI there is an increased risk of melanomas and neurocutaneous melanocytosis, which requires regular clinical monitoring. The source [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] offers more information about this (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/pmc10814732/).

Medical care often includes monitoring, and in many cases a distance is sought to avoid psychosocial problems. The decision as to which form of treatment is the best depends on various factors, including the size of the Nevus and the individual needs of the patients. It is not uncommon for the psychological effects of CMN to have a major impact on the life of those affected, and here through media work such as that of Nanée Emmerich, a lot of educational work is required.

insight into the production

The stories that are told in the context of "United in the north" should also be made accessible to society. In this project, experienced experts work with: Miriam Rumohr is responsible for production, while Stephanie Barrenberg takes over the editorial management. Together they have the goal of creating a platform on which individual experiences can become visible.

The popularity of "United in the north" shows how important and relevant such stories are. They offer those affected the opportunity not only to share their challenges, but also to promote broader acceptance. In challenging times, this can change the view of diseases such as CMN and help to strengthen understanding for each other.

We can look forward to what Nanée Emmerich has to tell at the red sofa. Your trip is one of many, and everyone we get to know brings us a little closer together.