Lizzie Velasquez was born with a very rare syndrome (only 2 other people in the world have it) that prevents her from producing or storing body fat. Recent exposure due to her aspirations to become a motivational speaker to teach others about her syndrome have come with horrible backlash. Hundreds of dreadful comments about the way she looks are what fill Lizzie’s computer screen everyday including one person dubbing her “The World’s Ugliest Woman”. Lizzie is anything but ugly, in fact, her spirit and personality make her the complete opposite. She is also my best friend.


Growing up with Lizzie was just like any other childhood; we played games, watched movies, went through many embarrassing phases, fought and made up, and the whole time, I never once thought of Lizzie as different. She has been through more ups and downs in her 23 years of life than anyone I know and has made the best of her condition by living life to the fullest and raising people’s spirits along the way.

When she was born at just 2 pounds, the doctors told her parents that she was not going to make it; her body was just not strong or developed enough to survive.

Now, Lizzie is a senior in college and is already the author of 2 books; “Lizzie Beautiful” and “Be Beautiful, Be You”. She has also been all over the country for speaking engagements. She has such strength when it comes to dealing with critics and obstacles in her life that she says stems from the help of faith, family and friends.

I am proud to call Lizzie one of my best friends and I know she will continue to endure and overcome her many obstacles, with much style and flare, I might add. Lizzie wants to inform people about her condition as well as help people to understand that life is truly what you make it.

We could use more people like Lizzie in this world.

Click through the gallery for more insight of Lizzie and her life.
To learn more, visit her website: www.aboutlizzie.com

What do you think of Lizzie’s bravery?

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