This week in the Beyond Limitations newsletter, we celebrate the inspiring story of Lizzie Velasquez!

Welcome, Amazing Readers!

This week, we’re talking about a super cool person named Lizzie Velasquez. She’s someone who shows us that no matter what challenges we face, we can still do big things and help others. Lizzie has a special condition that makes her different, but she turned that difference into something awesome. Let’s dive into her story!

?What’s Her Special Condition?

Lizzie was born with a condition called neonatal progeroid syndrome also called Marfanoid–progeroid–lipodystrophy syndrome. That’s a big name, right? This means that while her heart, brain, and bones are healthy, her body cannot keep fat or build muscle. Because of this, Lizzie looks different from many people.

Sadly, she faced a lot of bullying because of her appearance, She’s super tiny and weighs only about 63 pounds (ca. 29 kg). It also affects her eyes (she’s blind in one), her heart, and her bones. When she was little, doctors thought she might not walk or talk, but guess what? She proved them wrong! With her family’s love and her strong spirit, she learned to do so much more than anyone expected.

How Did She Conquer It?

Growing up wasn’t always easy for Lizzie. When she started school, some kids were scared of her or teased her because she looked different. That made her sad, but she didn’t give up. Her mom and dad told her, “You’re smart and beautiful just the way you are!” That gave her courage. Then, when she was 17, something really tough happened—someone put a video online calling her mean names. Instead of hiding, Lizzie decided to fight back with kindness. She started talking to people about how to be nice, not mean. She even made videos and wrote books to share her story!

Instead of letting this bullying define her, Lizzie chose to take control of her narrative. She transformed her pain into purpose by launching an anti-bullying campaign. She began sharing her story through motivational speaking, starting with a powerful TEDx talk that resonated with many people around the world. Her speech has been viewed over seven million times, inspiring countless individuals to embrace kindness and self-acceptance.

Lizzie's journey is a testament to resilience. She not only advocates against bullying but also encourages others to love themselves and recognize their unique qualities. Through her activism, she aims to show that everyone deserves respect and that being different is something to celebrate.

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Becoming a Superstar!

Lizzie turned her hard times into something amazing. She began giving speeches to big crowds, telling them, “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do!” She also made a movie about her life called A Brave Heart and wrote books to help kids feel strong. Today, she’s on YouTube and TikTok, where tons of people watch her and cheer her on. She even helps make rules to stop bullying in schools. Lizzie shows us that being different can be a superpower!

What Can We Learn From Lizzie??

— Be kind—words can hurt, but kindness heals!?

— Stay brave—even when things feel tough.?

— Celebrate differences—they make the world colorful!?

Today, Lizzie is not just known for her disability but for her incredible spirit! She teaches us that being different is something to celebrate. She prefers to call herself “differently abled,” which shows how she focuses on the positive side of life. Lizzie’s message is clear: everyone can find beauty in themselves, no matter what challenges they face.

Next time you feel like giving up, think of Lizzie and how she keeps smiling and dreaming big. You can do it too!

?Lizzie Velasquez is a true hero who shows us that we can rise above our difficulties and make the world a kinder place!