Born: March 13, 1989 (Austin, Texas)
Biography:
Elizabeth Anne Velásquez (/ˈlɪzi vəˈlæskeɪz/; born March 13, 1989) is an American motivational speaker, activist, writer, and YouTuber. She was born with an extremely rare congenital disease called Marfanoid-progeroid-lipodystrophy syndrome that, among other symptoms, prevents her from accumulating body fat and gaining weight. Her conditions resulted in severe bullying during her childhood and teenage years, leading her to become an influential advocate for kindness, self-acceptance, and anti-bullying.
Lizzie was born on March 13, 1989, in Austin, Texas, as the eldest of three children to Rita and Guadalupe Velásquez. She entered the world four weeks prematurely, weighing less than 2 pounds 11 ounces (1,219 grams). Despite being born with such delicate health, Lizzie embarked on her life journey with resilience and determination.
While growing up, Lizzie faced unimaginable cruelty due to her appearance and medical condition. She endured relentless bullying, both at school and in her community. These experiences left a lasting impact on her, shaping her future as an advocate for compassion and understanding. The constant negativity surrounding Lizzie led her to develop a deep sense of empathy for others who faced similar challenges.
In her teenage years, Lizzie encountered a new form of cruelty: cyberbullying. Online videos labeling her as the World’s Ugliest Woman went viral, bringing her story to the attention of millions worldwide. Rather than letting this further weigh her down, Lizzie transformed this adversity into an opportunity for personal growth and empowerment.
Motivated by her own experiences, Lizzie decided to use her voice to combat bullying and promote self-acceptance. She embraced motivational speaking as a means to inspire others and spread a message of love and resilience. In January 2014, she delivered a powerful TEDxAustinWomen Talk titled How Do YOU Define Yourself, which garnered significant attention and praise. Through her YouTube channel, she has reached millions of viewers, amassing over 54 million views.
Lizzie’s positive outlook, unwavering optimism, and unyielding determination have made her a beacon of hope for countless individuals facing adversity. She firmly believes that everyone is capable of defining their own worth and that kindness has the power to transform lives. Lizzie’s impact on society reaches far beyond her personal struggles, as she continues to inspire and uplift others with her remarkable story.
Despite her rare medical condition, Lizzie remains devoted to her education. She attended Texas State University, majoring in communication studies until late 2012. Lizzie is also a devout Roman Catholic, finding solace and strength in her faith throughout her challenging journey. She believes that her unwavering belief in God has provided her with the resilience and guidance necessary to overcome the obstacles she has faced.
The uniqueness of Lizzie’s medical condition has made her a subject of scientific interest. Medical researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have studied her condition, previously postulating that it may be a form of neonatal progeroid syndrome. However, further research led to the discovery of mutations in the FBN1 gene, which encodes the asprosin hormone, responsible for her condition. Her condition is now known as Marfanoid-progeroid-lipodystrophy syndrome or Marfan lipodystrophy syndrome.
Lizzie’s impact extends beyond her personal life and into the realm of women’s history. Her resilience and advocacy serve as an inspiration to women everywhere, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness, challenge societal norms, and stand up against all forms of discrimination.
Awards:
– Lizzie Velásquez has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for her tireless advocacy work, including:
– Women Making History Award (2017) from the Women’s & Girls’ Advocacy Coalition
– Courage Award (2015) from the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards
– Anti-Bullying Activist Award (2013) from the NMF RARE Champions of Hope Celebration
– Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2012) from the National Association for Media Literacy Education
Through her incredible journey and remarkable achievements, Lizzie Velásquez has not only become a symbol of resilience and empowerment but also a driving force in promoting kindness and acceptance in our society. Her unwavering dedication to creating a better world has left an indelible mark on women’s history and continues to inspire generations to come.