For one Squamish grandma, it’s never too late to get a tattoo — especially if it’s for a good cause.
In order to raise awareness about a genetic condition, Kathie Smillie decided that she’d get herself inked.
Epidermolysis bullosa, or EB, makes the skin fragile and very susceptible to blistering and mucous membranes. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.
It creates some skin sores comparable to third-degree burns.
“It’s very, very painful,” said Smillie in video filmed and posted online by Laurence Gauthier. “It’s very serious.”
Smillie has some personal experience with EB — her grandson Nash Smillie has the condition.
“So here I am with Steve, at Ashlar Tattoo,” Smillie said, while on the chair at the tattoo shop.
The final result?
The two letters “EB” were emblazoned on her forearm, in the shape of a butterfly.
It’s a fitting design, given that children who have the condition are sometimes referred to as butterfly children.
That’s because their skin is said to be as fragile as a butterfly’s wings.
Smillie’s new ink comes at the right time.
EB awareness week runs from Oct. 25 to 31.
