Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Bravery Over Bullying


--by terre, posted Apr 6, 2016
I just finished watching the DVD "A Brave Heart: the Lizzie Velasquez Story".

Lizzie is 26 years old now.  She was born with an undiagnosed syndrome. Around age 24-25, she finally got an accurate diagnosis, I don't remember the specific name, but it is a combination syndrome with one part meaning she has vision problems, bone issues and a problem with the large aorta in her heart. The other part means she cannot gain weight. This combination means she looks different from everyone around her.

Her family never treated her like she was anything different than any of them. But in elementary school, the bullying began. With the support of family and some in the schools, Lizzie was accepted by other students and ended up doing well in school.

However, in high school, she was on Facebook and saw a website about the ugliest woman in the world. It was about her. Her family encouraged her to not respond in kind, as her father wanted her to forgive whoever had posted this.

This docudrama tells Lizzie's story and how she has moved beyond the bullying.  She is now educating others about the dangers of bullying, and cyberbullying in particular. She has given at least one TED talk and has spoken in large venues all over the world.

I cried a lot as I watched this, but I am also so inspired by Lizzie and how she has faced the difficulties in her life. As she puts it: "I am fighting back in a different way."

She is walking in beauty.

 
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Readers Comments

leoladyc728 wrote: I have read about her. So courageous.
mindyjourney wrote: oh, what a beautiful post, dear terre, for a beautiful brave-hearted woman <3. thank you for sharing with us.
Mish wrote: Bless this brave soul x
Gyrocloudy wrote: Haven't read it yet. I will learn about this story. :)
info66 wrote: Heard about her, strong woman indeed!
splain wrote: Some people can just be so cruel. This young woman is just amazing and so brave. There are many out there who would see the beauty of her in so many ways
pluto178 wrote: What ugly people they are that choose we go onto websites for the ugliest whatever.........they are the sad victims of their own heartlessness I wonder why they don't like themselves very much because there is no point in trying to destroy someone else when the reality is you destroy only yourself. Well done Lizzie for showing them another way to be. x
melnotes wrote: What an amazing woman!

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