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
Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour: Elton John Retires from Touring
The renowned performer Elton John has formally retired from touring after an amazing 50 years on the road.
During his farewell concert at Stockholm’s Tele2 Arena, Elton John conveyed his profound appreciation to his devoted followers for their steadfast backing during his remarkable career.
As the emotional crowd cheered him on, the 76-year-old artist shared, “I can’t believe it’s been 52 years of pure joy.” With heartfelt renditions of his beloved songs “Your Song” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” Elton John couldn’t help but acknowledge the pivotal role his fans played in his success.
He said, “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you. Your unwavering support, from buying records and concert tickets to simply being there, has meant everything to me.”
After the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, Elton John used social media to thank his fans from the bottom of his heart. He acknowledged their vital role in his career and thanked them for their unwavering loyalty in a statement made following the show.
“You’ve been with me every step of the way,” he said. “Your love and support have been my guiding light throughout the years, and they will forever remain in my heart.”
At the farewell event, Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, who was simultaneously performing in Sweden, also sent Elton John a heartfelt message. Speaking for all the bands and musicians that John has influenced and helped throughout his illustrious career, Martin expressed his love and admiration. “We just love you so much,” Martin expressed. “Happy retirement, and we’ll miss you terribly, dude.”
Before the big finale, Elton John shared his reflections on the amazing journey of his final tour on Instagram. “This tour has been an extraordinary journey, and now we find ourselves at the end of it,” he wrote. “Tonight marks the grand finale.”
Even though Elton John is saying goodbye to touring, he wants his fans to know that he will still be performing. Even though he isn’t going on another tour, you might still be able to catch him at a special event or maybe even for a brief residency at one place.
John’s manager and spouse, David Furnish, explained the difference between retiring from touring and retiring from performing completely, promising special moments in the years to come.
Even as he draws to an end his touring career, Elton John’s influence on the music industry endures. He has captivated audiences with his timeless hits and electrifying live performances for more than fifty years. The legendary musician and his fans have traveled on an amazing journey together.
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