A young American model, Mahogany Geter, a resident of Tennessee, has been living with lymphedema since birth, particularly in her left leg.
Indeed, Mahogany Geter was diagnosed with this condition shortly after birth and had difficulty walking. “Of course, it takes a lot of energy because it’s an additional 45 kilograms,” she said. Also, fibrosis is more likely to develop due to this condition, and the only way to treat it is through physiotherapy and massages to remove excess fluid from her leg.
The model explained how she faced many challenges while growing up: “I went through a very depressive state because I was a child, and there were a lot of adults looking at me.” Throughout her childhood, she was teased and received many negative comments from others. “I would say it probably affected me mentally and emotionally,” she revealed.
In 2017, when a photographer spotted Mahogany, her life changed. The young woman, initially thinking it was a scam, eventually allowed the photographer to take her picture. “It may be time for me to start showing my body, and I hope it can help someone else,” she thought.
Subsequently, she was featured in a YouTube video with over 10 million views. Moreover, her presence on Instagram and other social media platforms increased. “In essence, I received a lot of positive responses, and what I love most is that it helps people who feel uncomfortable in their skin,” she said.
Despite Mahogany’s difficult journey, she has learned to accept herself and is committed to conveying this attitude to others. “I felt uncomfortable in my skin for a long time, but as I grew up and with much support from the lymphedema online community and my mother, who is my inspiration, I understood how beautiful I was. Not only physically but also as a person.”
