Mahogany Geter, a 24-year-old aspiring model, was born with a rare condition that left her with a 100-lb leg. After a lifetime of facing difficulties, Geter’s life changed forever when she was offered a chance to model, starting her off on a journey of spreading the message of body positivity to others.
Bright Side found her story inspiring and a great example of how beauty can be found everywhere, and wanted to share Geter’s story of self-love with you.
She was born with a rare condition.
Mahogany Geter, a resident of Tennessee, was born with a rare condition that left her with a left leg that weighs 100 lb. The condition, known as lymphedema, can cause excess fluids to collect in the soft tissue of the body and lead to swelling. For Geter, her entire left side of the body is impacted by this, but only her leg is the most visible.
Geter was diagnosed with the condition right after she was born, and it made it extremely difficult for her to walk. “It drains my energy, of course, because it’s an extra 100 pounds,” she said. The condition makes her more susceptible to contracting fibrosis, and the only way to manage it is through physiotherapy and massages to drain the excess fluid in her leg.
She had a difficult time growing up.
The model talked about how she faced many difficulties growing up: “I’ve been through a very depressed state because you’re a little kid, and you have a bunch of grown adults staring at you.” She would receive many unwarranted comments from others and was teased throughout her childhood. “I will say it probably can affect you more mentally and emotionally,” she revealed.
“As a child, I never felt pretty. I felt ugly, like a freak of nature, and cried in private so many times,” said Geter. She had been suggested surgery by many doctors, but she turned it down every time, stating that in some other, more severe cases, surgery hadn’t completely gotten rid of the growth. Instead, she chose to accept herself as she was.
She began her modeling journey in 2017.
Geter’s life changed forever in 2017 when she was spotted by a photographer while she was working at Walmart. Initially thinking it was fake, the young woman eventually agreed to let the photographer take pictures of her. “I was like, ’I’m getting older now, maybe it’s time I start putting my full body out there,’ and hopefully me doing that can help somebody else,” she said.
This one opportunity catapulted Geter’s career as a model. Following this, she was featured in a viral YouTube video that amassed over 10 million views. Her presence on Instagram and other social media platforms has also increased. “Mainly, I’ve gotten a lot of positive responses, and the ones I like the most are that it helps people that also feel low about themselves,” she said.
She aims to help others embrace their unique bodies.
Despite her increased presence on the internet resulting in some Internet trolls, Geter has remained positive throughout, saying, “People have been so nice and supportive of me online. It isn’t all trolling and negativity.” She has remained consistent in spreading body positivity and encouraging others to be more comfortable in their bodies.
Geter is committed to her dream of becoming a model. “If I ever make it big, I want to buy my mother a house and take care of my family, then I’ll do everything I can to raise awareness of lymphedema to pay it back to everyone who has ever shown me kindness.” She continues to use her condition to inspire others to celebrate their differences as well.
Her journey has inspired many.
Although Geter’s journey has been hard, she has learned to accept herself and vows to spread this attitude to others. “For the longest, I felt so low about myself, but once I got older and with loads of support from the online lymphedema community and my mom who is my inspiration, I realized how beautiful I am. Not only looks, but as a person.”
What part of Mahogany Geter’s journey resonated with you the most? Do you have any advice for those that struggle to accept their bodies? Share it with us.
Preview photo credit lymph.goddess23 / Instagram, lymph.goddess23 / Instagram
Found it in my in-laws drawer where they had butter dishes etc What’s this?? Fork there for scale.
PARTICULAR ANSWERS ARE AS FOLLOWED:
It’s a glass dog’s bone. Their short lifespan prevented them from being kept viable even though they were bred in the early 19th century.
a serving knife rest to prevent stains on your exquisite lace tablecloth.
Well done, everyone, for keeping the comments civil!
little dumbbell. A feeble baby is disliked by all.
It serves as a knife rest. In addition to being for the carving knife, these are also placed at each place setting to rest the table knife after usage. Not for the butter knife, that is. Still lying over the bread plate is the butter knife.
There were two for my granny. Although I’m not familiar with her history, her collection of instruments suggested that she was a frequent performer. I have twelve salt cellars that I use to sift salt over different foods. The cellars come with little crystal spoons. We used them for holiday banquets, including Thanksgiving.
None of my kids know how to “play” with elaborate dinners these days.
depressing custom. They won’t keep them in their home if they can’t wash them in a dishwasher.
Nothing to say about, just food from a paper bag for experiences.
to place your knife on after chopping the meat to avoid scuffing the tablecloth
Rest for a knife. Similar to a chopstick rest,
Table cloth is kept clean by a filthy knife rest.
I had no idea what to use the one my mom had given me, lol. I do now! Regards
Whoa! I appreciate your insights. What a fantastic group this is! The knife rests are really lovely!
Have one similar to this one. letting the carving knife rest, if you are using a single one.
They are quite gorgeous, I’ve never seen one!
Whoa! I had assumed I was familiar with a variety of serving utensils, but this one escaped my notice. I’m grateful that you shared!
That was the one my mom and grandmother had. Perhaps a salt roller?
I own a pair of those.
To place a knife holder there.
When a knife is not in use, it is placed on a small, frequently ornamental device called a knife rest to prevent the blade from coming into contact with a table or countertop. They are available in a variety of forms and materials, from straightforward metal patterns to more elaborate ones crafted from porcelain, silver, or other materials. They fulfill a functional need and can give a dining table a hint of elegance.
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