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Meet the 23-Year-Old Painfully Dubbed ‘Ugliest Woman in the World’ and See What She’s Doing to Fight Cyberbullies

Sep. 14, 2012 10:10am Liz Klimas

Lizzie Velasquez Publishes Books, Creates YouTube Videos and Speaks Against Bullying

Lizzie Velasquez has a rare condition that affects her appearance causing her to be bullied. But she's not taking it anymore. (Image: AboutLizzie.com)

You may or may not have heard of 23-year-old Lizzie Velasquez. She is a woman with an undiagnosed, extremely rare condition in which she was born with no body fat nor does she have the cells to support storing fat.

Velasquez has been featured in the news and on shows like NBC’s Today Show, and is a motivational speaker. She is also somewhat of a YouTube sensation with more than 60 videos ranging from a day-in-the-life to hair tutorials to motivational messages. Collectively, her videos have gotten more than 4.5 million views. But with Internet notoriety comes Internet trolls — or cyberbullies.

Due to her lack of body fat, Velasquez only weighs 60 pounds and while others her age have taught skin, hers hangs loose in many areas. She is also completely blind in one eye and has limited vision in the other. Velasquez writes on her website that only three other people in the world have a condition similar to hers, which she notes is like progeria but that condition is terminal and has more complications than what she experiences.

In one of Velasquez’s YouTube videos titled “Courage & Determination,” done in the popular notecard style, she reveals that another YouTube video labeled her the ugliest woman in the world — it has more than 4 million hits with some in the comments suggesting she kill herself. Instead of letting this derail her, she set four goals for herself: motivational speaking, publish a book, graduate college and have a family and career of her own. Two of these goals she has already accomplished. Check it out:

Velasquez, in addition to maintaining her active YouTube account with videos, has written two books. The first is a diary her mother kept in Velasquez’s younger years. More recently, Velasquez published “Be Beautiful Be You.” Discussing this latter book and her condition recently with Dr. Drew on HLN, Velasquez speaks out against the bullying she has received.

(Image: AboutLizzie.com)

“It’s not easy,” she said on the show. “I may have this outer exterior of people saying ‘she can handle anything, she’s dealt with this for so long.’ To be honest, I’m human and of course these things are going to hurt, but at the end of the day, these things are just words and these people are just hiding behind their computers. And yes, they do hurt, but their judgments of me isn’t who I am, and I’m not going to let those things define me. So, I have to remind myself that these people are just going to keep talking about me but it’s not going to hold me back.”

Dr. Drew asks Velasquez if she ever wonders about the identity of those writing hurtful things about her.

“I wonder about the people who call me the ‘ugliest woman in the world,’ what do these people look like? How are they so much better than me? Just because I have a syndrome, you think you’re a model? … If they were so proud of who they are, they would show their face, but they don’t,” she said.

(Image: AboutLizzie.com)

As for the people who stare in public, Velasquez said she gaining the courage to go up to those who gawk and introduce herself and say “Hi, I’m Lizzie. Maybe you should stop staring and start learning.”

Watch Velasquez’s appearance on Dr. Drew:

One of Velasquez’s most popular videos posted on YouTube is with regard to bullying as well. In it she acknowledges that “every form of bullying hurts.”

“You’ve probably heard people who say ‘be proud of yourself, be proud of who you are.’ You’re probably thinking, ‘why am I going to be myself if I’m just going to be bullied?’ I know the feeling. … But listen to this and let it sink in: you are not alone. … You want to know my little secret for getting through the negativity and bullying? I set the bar higher and higher for myself and I make goals and do whatever I can to reach them. … Take action. Don’t let these bullies see that they’re winning.”

Learn more about Velasquez on her website here.

(H/T: Daily Mail)

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (286)

RobbieTLHughie
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:51am
Judging by the bully behavior of those on this site lately directed towards Muslims, if this girl was a member of Islam, she wouldn’t be getting any of the nice treatment from people here.
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- Tigress1
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:05am
  If she was a radical Muslim, then she would have an ugly spirit. You are correct. We wouldn’t support THAT.
  
  Report this comment
- paxcat
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 2:42pm
  You need to look up the definition of bullying and then compare it to “critical thought and speech.” You also might want to learn a bit about Islam before you cast sacrosanct blame at others. And, to show respect, you might want to stay “on topic.” This story has nothing to do with Islam.
  
  Report this comment
- AintLIBSjuzGreat
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 2:55pm
  Just read some of your past posts troll.Whew! you take stupid progressive self loathing country destroyer to a whole new level.My evil conservative heart broke when I read this and I actually cried.Going to say a prayer that you go back to huffy puffy post and never return
  
  Report this comment
- Palmer1943
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 2:59pm
  ARE YOU JUST PLAIN STUPID? IGNORANT? OR WHAT ?
  
  Why would you try to distract from what Lizzie has accomplished. Personally she makes me proud to be a member of the human race. What incredible grace, what a demonstration of the powers of positive thinking, what incredible accomplishment in the face of a challenging disease. There is not a person in the world who should not look at her in amazement, wonder and awe. Well done Lizzie! Hopefully all of the people who made negative comments based on your physical appearance will take a closer look at themselves and do some inner reflection.
  
  Lizzie I truly believe that people like you are here for a reason. To show the rest of us, what can be accomplished regardless of the obstacles that life places in front of us. Here’s wishing you the joyful life that you obviously richly deserve.
- TunaBlue
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 3:06pm
  Has she been born to Muslims, she would not be alive right now.
  
  Report this comment
- muffythetuffy
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 3:54pm
  This is a wonderful story of how many of us have to fight to overcome the cruelty others direct at the helpless. You should no longer have to concern yourself with what others said. You are a success and example of how good people are capable of accomplishing good things. Sister Teresa Of Calcutta was not a beautiful person but she was known by everyone on Earth before she passed away.
  
  Report this comment
- zzclancy
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 4:00pm
  Sure, Islam is a religion of peace and love. Have you looked at the headlines for today. Just asking, maybe I missed something. They kill rape victims, you know bury them chest deep and stone them.
  
  Report this comment
- pappabear
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 4:24pm
  She is MUSLIM ???????? I didn’t get that part anywhere, maybe I missed something along the way. Anyway what does that have to do with her looks, I see a sweet person who may Not be a MODEL or movie star and I can tell you because I have been in 4 different movies as an extra and there are some actresses and actors that I wouldn’t want to really wake with. there are pounds of Makeup on so many actors, Hey we are all Humans and ALL different in our own way. I can think of 3 VERY UGLY people that are both UGLY inside as well as outside. Nancy Pelosi, Hilary Clinton and Michelle OBAMA talk about UGLY all the way through these 3 are tops in that area. so much Hatred inside as well as on the outside.
  
  Report this comment
- Jim in Houston
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 4:36pm
  Robbie go back to the Huff & Puff and stop trying to stir up sh#t here.
  
  Report this comment
- ironsheik
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 5:02pm
  This is one chick you’d never have to worry about getting fat. I’m interested. Seriously.
  
  Report this comment
- aragona
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 5:32pm
  I am saddened for her and her condition. (also, for the troll, she would probably be hidden by a veil so no body would be able to see her)
  
  Report this comment
- TargetDestroyed01
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 5:37pm
  To: RobbieTLHughie
  
  Sigh….OK, Robbie, let me try to help you a little here. And it is pretty pathetic that I have to do this but I will try my best anyway. You obviously are missing a key point with your idiotic comment. Here goes:
  
  It is not what is on the outside but what is on the inside that counts, right. So RE: Muslim fanatics, if your insides are pure evil and you are hell bent on destruction, murder and terrorism, …AND DEMONSTRABLY SO…as in dead diplomats and burned out embassies, ….well then………I guess commensurate comments and judgments on those evils would make sense wouldn’t they.
  
  Please just say, ‘yes’. I would not like to think that you were totally devoid of morality or basic common sense.
  
  Just an aside here to everyone, but you know, it sure is sad such a simple idea has to be explained these days. Seems like many like RobbieTLHughie here have lost all basic tenants of right and wrong and common sense.
  
  Robbie old pal, not everything in this world is “misunderstood” or based on prejudice. Some of it really and truly is just rotten to the core and blatantly evil. It really is difficult for me to believe that that idea is so hard for some people to comprehend but alas, you inane comment is “living proof”.
  
  Simply put, if you are not outraged, then you are either not paying attention, were not raised correctly or are simply not too bright. AND IT IS OK TO SAY SO!WISE UP!
  
  Glad to clear that up. You are welcome.
  
  Report this comment
- thomas
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 7:56pm
  This dimwit seems to think bullying is okay. Doing it now with its post. This thing is a punk. Love this gals fortitude!
  
  Report this comment
- Hoax And Chains
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 7:58pm
  Well, moron, where are the Muslim posts on here, denouncing the violence?
  
  Report this comment
- mdmike1
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 7:59pm
  Um, you’re confusing Muslims with RADICAL Muslims. Muslims in general are a good people.
  
  Report this comment
- bingyboy
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 8:35pm
  Leave it to the liberal to politicize a completely apolitical story–Actually if she was raised under Sharia law in a Muslim country, her father could have her killed because she might be considered a disgrace to her family–they are a very tolerant people over there
  
  Report this comment
- De-Elect
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:19pm
  Were you born 5 minutes ago?
  Please return to your clan of mental midgets.
  
  Report this comment
- phrogdriver
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:22pm
  If she was Muslim, would she be wearing a Bruqua?
  
  Report this comment
- SeptamusNonovant
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:45pm
  There is a big difference between this woman and radical Islam: She isn’t murdering people and trying to force people to submit to some false religion. Radical Islam is. I love how Progressives hate all religion… except Islam.
  
  Report this comment
- elderbat
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:48pm
  robbie: may my cats barf hairballs in your koolaid.
  
  Report this comment
- jaylew
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 1:08am
  Ummmmm….since you are the first person who posted on this story……and got the chance to inject and infuse Islam into a completely non-islamic story. and ummmmmm since most of us until the events of the last few days have long since grown weary of the entire Islam “Let’s get our religion in the world news every single day because if we don’t…then we are reduced to the inconsequential africanized bees we really are”…….since you chose to introduce Islam into one of the few stories here or anywhere that has nothing to do with Islam……then let me just go ahead and thank you….thanks a lot for bringing up Islam or Muslims….AGAIN….as if not a single day or moment could ever be had these days without Muslims or Islamists trying to capture or grab the headlines in one miserable fashion or another….since you did that…then I’ll go ahead and play….*******YAWN******* This girl is lovely and beautiful and fine…..because she is NOT a fundamental Islamist. Fundamentalist Islamic women cover their faces up….and so this gal is hundred million more times beautiful than anything that ever foams and seeps and oozes from Islam.
  Thanks for making a non Muslim story a Muslim story…..now go watch the Exorcist on Netflix and fetch yourself a nice hot bowl of pea soup. Cripes what a non-sequitur fail of a post yours was.
  
  Report this comment
- Dont_Vote_Obama-Romney
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 1:37am
  42 … The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.
  43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.
  44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
  …
  51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—
  52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
  53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
  -1 Corinthians 15, Holy Bible
  
  Report this comment
- ApolloLou
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 9:48am
  You’re the man, Robbie. Unfortunatly…freedom of speech doesn’t protect the world from your speech. It’s a shame you can’t show yourself….and I don’t mean your looks…I’m referring to your heart. I bet an x-ray of your heart would still look black on a color picture. So leave…shoo….go back to your side of the world…the insensitive world that wouldn’t know beauty if it hit you in the head. Are you really proud of yourself? In the quiet of the night, deep in your heart, proud? It’s not too late to change. And that, my dearest Robbie, is my prayer for you.
  
  Report this comment
- flyingscotsman
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 12:37pm
  Words and bad… very bad and bullies should be held accountable… but to equivocate the treatment of western culture… even at it’s worst with Islam is a poor comparison.
  
  They (Muslims) will kill you just for being a non Muslim… how’s that for bullying?
  
  Report this comment
- its_time_to_arrest_our_government
  Posted on September 16, 2012 at 4:34pm
  looks to me like shes very beautiful you cant judge people by how they look its whats in their heart that matters. besides God made her so shes beautiful, its just that simple. anyone who thinks otherwise is a moron. God help you if your that shallow. saying stupid things is what kids do not adults. people need to do some growing up very fast or your in for a very rude awakening.
  
  Report this comment
- its_time_to_arrest_our_government
  Posted on September 16, 2012 at 4:40pm
  there is always one moron in the bunch that sees things that are not there.
  
  Report this comment
- Machine7
  Posted on September 16, 2012 at 10:47pm
  what a stupid comment
  
  Report this comment
- alinskythis
  Posted on September 17, 2012 at 3:53pm
  That is an insult to intelligent conservatives everywhere, and making the assumption intolerance has any place in our opinions.
  
  The fact is, when I first saw the photo, I thought she WAS Muslim.
  
  Lizzie is adorable, and what an incredible spirit.
  
  Character is the difference between what life hands you, as compared to what you do with it.
  
  Report this comment
GunsBlazin
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:48am
All the people who are illigitimately on food stamps, disability, etc are the ones who should kill themselves. They are, what my Dad used to call, “Public Parasites”. This woman is making something of herself despite her physical problems. Meanwhile fat a55e5 ride shopping mart provided electric wheel chairs and go on to anyone who will listen about what a victim they are and how life is so hard. Others would rather milk the system and teach family and friends how to do the same than go out and work a couple jobs.

I would trade all the public parasites for a few Lizzies.

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- Pat-Riot
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:10am
  Just do a few YouTube videos and see what stupidity gets attracted by the comments section. Man, people are cruel and ignorant and can’t even let a poor girl live her life without trying to get into her business. Insane!
  
  Report this comment
- teddyc73
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:11am
  I think you’re making some pretty broad generalizations there and also being just a tad judgmental.
  
  Report this comment
- The Jewish Avenger
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:24am
  Agree Thought:
  She said that if she saw people starring she’d approach them and tell them to stop staring and start… something.
  
  I’m sorry, I have a problem already with NY attitudes, if your big breasted, men are going to stare.
  If you are wearing an awesome outfit or something revealing, you are going to stare
  If you wear a big pink ****** costume, people are going to stare….
  
  If you are a midget, a burn victim, have a colorful tatoo exposed, dress out of the ordinary…
  People are going to stare…
  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE this womans ability to pick herself up and become more beautiful that a Kardashian (however its spelt) but if she approached me and said that, and with an appalled attitude, all I’d see is the ugliness. If its just a “lax” attitude, I’d smile and say ok, have a great day.. and move on…
  
  Don’t know…just the “I’d approach them and say..” attitude, sounds like a passive defensive anger statement.
  
  If you dont get it, its ok, I think she has BEAUTIFUL ****.
  
  Report this comment
- Charles
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:36am
  @Teddy. You’re being judgmental about someone making observations. I observe that with nearly 50 million people are taking food stamps or EBT cards and I have no doubt millions are just useless parasites and should be blocked from voting. I don’t care about your judgmental blithering about my observations. Go judgmental yourself.
  
  Report this comment
- TEXASGRANNY73
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:43am
  @The Jewish Avenger What an attitude. She is a very young woman. How did she get through age 16 and find confidence? Or 6 or 5? My God, are you just a mean person? I do believe she had wonderful parents who must also cringe at the likes of people who stare. Did you ever think about just smiling at folks who are given an extra dose to overcome? I forget. You did say N.Y.
  
  Report this comment
- kindling
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:45am
  Pat….this is Lucifer’s world and it does not take much to listen to him. You have to really try to listen to God.
  
  Report this comment
- ProbIemSoIver
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:54am
  The best way to combat cyber bullies is to ignore them.
  
  Letting it affect you or responding to comments or actions, only plays into a bully’s hands.
  
  Being Strong and Ignoring them will eventually make them go away.
  
  In America a person has the Right to not like you and tell you what they think about you.
  Whether you like it and agree, or dislike it and disagree, It does not matter.
  The Right to free speech will not be infringed, And many are ready to fight and die to protect their rights.
  The concept of “Cyber bullying” is a joke. It is bereft of any ratiocination.
  It is along the lines of a “Thought” Crime.
  Or a “Hate” Crime.
  It makes as much sense as a “Learning Curve”.
  All of these are United Nations concepts and NOT American AT ALL !!!!
  
  Report this comment
- JediKnight
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:06pm
  @Jewish Avenger: “She said that if she saw people starring she’d approach them and tell them to stop staring and start… something.” It was start learning. Not something. Learning. In other words, what you’re thick headed brain failed to comprehend is that she’d rather have someone ask her about her condition than sit there and stare at her like she’s some kind of freak.
  
  I think that’s a great attitude to have.
  
  Report this comment
- avgconservative
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 1:27pm
  teddyc73…
  
  I am so sick of this generation saying, “you can’t judge me.”
  
  The H___ we can’t! Just like you can judge my generation, my life, and my beliefs. I have no problem with that. When you get it wrong, I’ll straighten you out.
  
  Meanwhile, stop with the 7th grade bullcrap “you’re being a tad judgemental.” Jeesh! That is so sickening!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- soundtracktowar
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 1:40pm
  Here’s an idea, how about no one kill themselves. Novel, I know.
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 1:48pm
  @THE JEWISH AVENGER
  I never thought I’d ever hear the words “beautiful” and “Kardashian” in the same sentence. To me, they are ugly both inside and out.
  
  Report this comment
- Marci
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 2:12pm
  It is beyond me that anyone would dub her the ugliest woman in the world or say that she should kill herself. One can hope it is misguided kids doing this and not adults. This woman is beautiful through and through, too bad we can’t find out who is behind the remarks and do a little highlight on them. Unlike them…we wouldn’t call them ugly or say that they should kill themselves, but we could emphasize their shortcomings that cause them to believe it is okay to talk about other human beings in such a manner.
  
  Report this comment
- Wolfgang the Gray
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 3:43pm
  Inner beauty is the real value of a person, not outer beauty. Outer beauty is something only shallow people hold dear and use to gauge a person’s worth. Lizzie sounds like she has a heart of gold and I wish her all the best.
  
  To those trolls that call her ugly and say she should kill herself, they are the truly ugly people in the world and may God have mercy on their pathetic souls.
  
  Report this comment
- Al Gator
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 6:03pm
  @avenger.
  I lived in Asia for 15 years. I KNOW first hand rude stares, bullying, etc. I wish I had a nickel for every time school kids would gang around me on the train, and in earnest, ask to see my tail. They knew I had one, because their mommas told them so.
  
  And I agree that you just have to get tough and not let anyone else control you like that. You react to the stares and the bullying, you give them control.
  
  OTH, this woman has nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. I say if she finds comfort in confronting folks, then have at it.
  
  My one wonder is this: why isn’t her genetic code being investigated as a remedy for obesity? This woman’s DNA could hold the key to an all new approach to rampant weight problems.
  
  Report this comment
- The Jewish Avenger
  Posted on September 16, 2012 at 9:29pm
  The name calling sucked but I have found my error in my grammar.
  
  I should have said look instead of stare.
  
  To me, staring is the same as looking but the real definition of staring to me was gawking.
  
  My apologies to those offended. I would look like any other person would look, non confronting and non shock like….
  
  If you get this then hopefully you can see where I stood on that statement.
  Think of it this way, a woman you work with walks by and you comment that she looks nice today then reads you the riot act like you were sexually harassing her…
  
  Thats what I was thinking when she said, If I see people stare I’d just go up to them and say…
  Equivalent as I took it as
  If someone just looks at me today, I’m going to…
  
  Sorry for the goof….
  
  Report this comment
- David Foxfire
  Posted on September 17, 2012 at 2:09am
  You know what I’ll tell you and your dad. “Here’s my web address. http://foxfirestudios.net . Here’s the novels I’m selling. Here’s a Kickstarter project that will keep me out of trouble and hopefully become a business: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1716370612/the-ballad-of-johnny-briz/ Now look here. You can either buy my books or fund my project…or you can pay for my Food Stamps. It’s up to you. At least with the former you can say that your money’s going somewhere.”
  
  Report this comment
Hugh Williams
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:44am
Beauty comes from within. There are a lot of people that are physically very attractive but their character and personality make them ugly. Most people bully others to try to hide their own fears and insecurities.

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- thousandoaks
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:18am
  Right on! so true
  
  Report this comment
- Jezreel
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:36am
  I totally agree with that! It took me years to allow the Lord Jesus to work on my heart to change me and make me prettier on the inside. I was one of those women who won a beauty contest when I was young and had very good looks and I thought I had a good personality! Right! It was not until around 20 years ago that I realized I was a true idiot and an ungodly hag. Even though I was a pig, I still didn’t like to see bullying and cruelty to those who are different. At least I had that going for me.
  
  Report this comment
- CatB
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:43am
  @Hugh ..
  
  You are so right .. that is what I was thinking when reading this article … people are too quick to form an opinion of someone by what is on the outside … the inside is what counts!
  
  Report this comment
- AmericanPatriot
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 1:29pm
  So true. Recent culture seems to be fixated on looks, but they’re so transitory, it’s silly.
  
  This woman is beautiful where it truly matters — inside.
  
  Report this comment
JerryNic
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:43am
Lovely young woman. Big heart. Brave.

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- HorseCrazy
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:48am
  you are correct what a kind gentle inspirational young woman she is. She has the ability to reach many people through her suffering. God bless her journey.
  
  Report this comment
JustJason
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:41am
Wouldnt it be ironic if her condition led to a discovery that solves the condition of fat bullies?

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- Goldline_scam
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:26am
  Like Rush Limbaugh?
  
  Report this comment
- myethix
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:01pm
  @Goldline_scam No, I think that would be Michael Moore. But thanks for playing… goodbye.
  
  Report this comment
- myethix
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:05pm
  I think Goldline-scam is talking about Michael Moore…
  
  Report this comment
fightinglee
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:40am
i wish i could donate some of my body fat to her.

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- Glynrd Skynrd
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:45am
  Sorry for the “shallowness” of my thoughts origin but this reminds me who the movie Shallow Hal, the true beauty of a person is often hidden by our shallowness. Lord Bless that precious young lady.
- TEXASGRANNY73
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:53am
  What a sweet thing to say. I saw this story on Yahoo yesterday and first I cried and then I admired her so much. How awful to live in a world where looks are more important than love. I bet the haters have a field day after using looks as a weapon against political beliefs these days. Her parents must have given her a core belief in God to be so brave. I will buy her book. She should be rewarded.
  
  Report this comment
- XScramblerX
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 6:55pm
  Thank you Lizzie. I watched your interview and it reminded me that I might not be as beautiful on the inside as you are. You are one strong, smart and compassionate woman. We need more people like you in this world. Peace sweetie.
  
  Report this comment
The912Project
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:38am
Lizzie! Be grateful for the support of individuals who you surround yourself with and let go of the hate that others put out. What goes around comes around. You are here to teach us, be a great teacher!

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- Redgater
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:50am
  Lizzie, when the “haters” are talking about YOU they are just giving SOMEONE else a break!! Surround yourself with the positive folks in your life & the heck with the rest! Bless Ya!
  
  Report this comment
- TEXASGRANNY73
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:25am
  In my opinion you have just written the most important comment on here and a truism it is. We are all teachers but we are all students as well.
  
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just happy
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:34am
bullies are pitiful souls who have a need they don’t even know they have. We all have a need to feel worthwhile. If you feel reasonably worthwhile, you don’t need to be a bully. When you don’t feel worthwhile, some of us deal with this lack, by trying to please everyone around us,becoming a door mat or an overachiever, some of us deal with it by putting others down- bullying. Recommend– read the Michael Vey Book series.

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- watersRpeople
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:37am
  I guess she didn’t know bullies would come out of the woodwork when she posted herself online?
  
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- TEXASGRANNY73
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:58am
  @Waterspeople. Of course she did. She has learned strength. I dare you to start something here. You will be so outnumbered.
  
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- myethix
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:12pm
  @waterspeople What a jerk! I guess if she dares to show her face, she should expect people to act like ANIMALS? Keep in mind, these people don’t show THEIR faces, because much like the kids who terrorized that grandmother bus monitor, society’s response will be swift and merciless! NO ONE who deserves to breathe air would bully someone else — certainly no one who has clearly led such a painful life. ANY of us who know anything about the lowest, basest forms of humanity (bullies) already know, just by looking at her, the things she must have endured. If I were you, I’d shut up before I went any further with your jacka** train of thought.
  
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momrules
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:32am
This girl may not be physically beautiful but she shines with an inner light that her abusers will never be able to recognize.
God bless you Lizzie, keep on believing in yourself. You will go very far in this life and I will be rooting for you.

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Kitsune
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:32am
Ugliest? Nah, she’s not. I see women with full mustaches and hairy arms riding the bus on a semi-regular basis.

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- Eraty Bab
  Posted on September 15, 2012 at 12:53am
  Kitsune, those are the liberals. :)
  
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USA-Ron
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:32am
Lizzie, you are NOT alone, we are on your side, love you, may you be Blessed

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vamom2
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:30am
BEAUTIFUL young woman. The world needs more people like her!!!! After all the stories about all the crap happening in this world, I/our country/our world needed this story…
Our world still has much to learn and her story offers so many lessons that we can all benefit from.

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biohazard23
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:29am
The people who taunt her are probably the same ones who would make fun of a Down’s baby or pull the wings off of butterflies. There are some immature, nasty vermin parading around as “adults” out there.

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- TEXASGRANNY73
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:09am
  Yes, there are. No respect for anyone.
  
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thankfulness
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:29am
She looks and sounds like a nice and beautiful person in the way that matters.

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Teufel Hunden
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:28am
I find that if you give some women larger breasts that the eye’s don’t stay on the face for long. A former friend just emailed me and said “If she were to become Muslim she could wear a Burka instead of a grocery bag.” That’s just wrong!
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- TEXASGRANNY73
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:12am
  And wrong for you post that here.
  
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DELTAJOHN
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:26am
God Bless you, Lizzie.

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crusherslady
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:26am
Lizzie is beautiful, just the way God made her. If others can’t see that, to bad. If they say something ugly, all that is….is what’s in their heart, spewing out of their mouth.

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- TEXASGRANNY73
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:17am
  As a man thinketh so he is.
  
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tankyjo
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:24am
Created in the image of, and the glory of God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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- poorrichard09
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:32am
  Sad. Looks like she would be a real beauty if she had normal fat to fill her out.
  
  Guess fat isn’t all bad.
  
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bobad
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:24am
I hate to say this, but she would look a lot better if she gained 10-15 pounds. Lizzie sounds like a great person, so I wish her the best!

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- ktmrider1
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:31am
  read the story, she cant gain wheight because there are no fat cells in her body
  
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- n5yzv
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:50am
  You know, I created a login to the blaze JUST because of your post. I have a special needs daughter. I love it when other parents say, “Well, if she would do this, or that..” Yeah. Wow. Their kid can run normally. Wow, their kid can do anything. Wow, must be nice to be a Partridge Family member.
  You are one of those! I am sorry, but you are a dumb SOB! Read the dam article rather than look at the pictures! You should feel like a complete idiot at this point! SHE HAS NO FAT CELLS! Where do you want her to put the extra weight? How about a Tumor? Maybe some more ****? Why don’t you join a the team working on this issue and be helpful. I am sorry. The world doesn’t need comments like yours or mine. Try walking in someone shoes who has issues and you will find out how wonderful you really have it. Oh. Me? Yesterday my daughter visited the Gastroenterology. Monday: Neurology. Tuesday: Endocrinology Friday: Genetics.
  You should be begging for forgiveness, or maybe think, “What if she was my Daughter?” Wake up.
  
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- U.N.hater
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:10am
  @N5YZV: When i was young we didn’t have computers or cell phones. You had to say this crapp to their face. And that got your A$$ KICKED! by good people who new better. My nephew is a special need’s child. I dare some of these people to say something to my face. But that will never happen they only have ba!!$ behind a screen.
  
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98Bravo
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:24am
Ms Velasquez, may God bless you and watch over you. Beauty comes from what is inside us,not on the outside.

To everyone else, lets be honest with ourselves, years down the road, we all get older and uglier, so eventually we will all be judged by our character, and the type of people we are. If we are ugly on the inside that is how we will appear to everyone. Beauty fades, so you better have something else to fall back on.

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- TEXASGRANNY73
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:35am
  That is so true. And I can guarantee you look back and see how you really were and hope you were good to people. As Judge Judy said Beauty fades, dumb is forever. And I think this story was posted to teach us a lesson. Thank you Blaze, we sure could use more humility these days. Or any day.
  
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bald stick
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:22am
Why is this a story on the Blaze?

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- U.N.hater
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:40am
  Why are you on the blaze? Do you have a heart? I like to hear about good people doing good thing’s. Don’t you? When was the last time you saw something good that warmed your heart and put a tear in your eye?
  
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- Stelex
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:59am
  Yes, Bald Stick sums you up quite nicely
  
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- teddyc73
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 11:13am
  Why not? The Blaze features stories on a variety of subjects.
  
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- bald stick
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 12:53pm
  I apologize, It is nice to hear a good story and the Blaze is correct for running it. My post was not thought out before I hit the “send” button.
  
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- Palmer1943
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 3:09pm
  To illustrate to all the rest of us not to judge, and to open our hearts to those who walk a path that very few of us have the courage, stamina or guts to take.
  
  It’s not just about left or right politics or Christian or Muslim. There are real issues and challenges that only a select few people, have what it takes, and Lizzie is definitely one of the SPECIAL PEOPLE. They don’t come along often, but when they do they should be recognized.
  
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- bald stick
  Posted on September 17, 2012 at 7:21am
  Just angered me the way the headline read. This girl has an ultra rare disease and the headline directs you to “the ugliest woman” so you will stop and see a freak show. This girls story is wonderful, how she is dealing with what has been given her. The headline just got my blood boiling because it points to the “ugly” part and folks will stop to see her just for that (which she is not).. Perhaps a little more positive headline pointing to the horrible disease she has instead of the negative route to get you to read it. I guess if it had a positive headline , no one would have read it.
  
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LibsFIB
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:19am
I’ve seen worse. for instance, Hillary Clinton. But thats because she has no soul!
At least this girl has a soul.

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Stelex
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:18am
Sweet kid, I wish her well.

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The Jewish Avenger
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:16am
Beautiful long ****
Looks great in her clothes
First thing I noticed
Then I noticed she had a condition…

I’ve seen beautiful women open their mouths and instantly become **** ugly yet society gives them a pass….

Go figure.

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Critters58
Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:15am
She is awesome! So much brighter and stronger than the average person who cares about what others think. You go GIRL! I am praying for you and know GOD has a great life for you. After all the fools made fun of Jesus and he changed the whole world.

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- 19RANDY59
  Posted on September 14, 2012 at 10:22am
  Amen
  
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