09 May 2015

Ichthyosis Awareness Month - Kelly's story: "I am an Ichthyosis fighter and survivor."

I admire this beautiful young woman's outlook so much! Kelly has Lamellar Ichthyosis and Ichthyosis Vulgaris. She's 19 (it's her birthday TODAY!) and she has an enormous level of self belief and courage to forgive those who have not treated her well. It saddens me that people will use God against her, especially when she has such a strong faith - such ignorance. You can wish Kelly a happy birthday on Instagram - that's where we met! Read on to the last line - it made me smile so much. 

Meet Kelly. 





My name is Kelly I am a freshman at University, and my major is Speech Pathology. I am from Greenville, MS, which is known as the heart of the Delta. I am currently eighteen years old until May 9th. As you can tell from this blog, I am an Ichthyosis fighter and survivor. I have been dealing with this condition my whole life, and I must say it has been a struggle. Some may consider it a curse, but I see it as a blessing in disguise.

I was asked the question how has ichthyosis challenged, shaped, and strengthened me, and I was thinking how I could sum that all up. As I stated before I have dealt with this condition my whole life. I have endured both positive and negative comments and actions.

How has it challenged me? Being known as the girl with the bad skin my whole life was very hard because at one point I felt like that was me and nothing else. I felt like I was bound to that name and that persona. It was hard trying to fit in or being accepted because people were unaware of my condition and often treated me as diseased person or an outcast. It was hard growing up because my condition would go from good to bad and most of the time carried a strong scent that was unbearable. No one knew my condition or how to treat it and was not only a challenge to my family but to myself as well. The most difficult challenge of them all was dealing with other’s opinions about how God made me. I would take on so many negative comments and try and smile and brush it off. I tried to live by the “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger” motto but it was so much one person could take. ‘Yo skin stank’, ‘Don’t touch me, I don’t want that stuff’, or the cold hearted stares is what I would endure due to ignorance.

How has it shaped me? Due to the mean comments and actions it has shaped me into a positive individual. I learned to not judge someone based on how they look but how they are as a person. I was often prejudged and never really took serious as a person because of the way I looked. Although I have a nice heart and amazing personality, my skin has held me back from letting it show, and others didn’t see potential in me. I was in shell that was hard to break free from. For a long time, I felt like I worthless or forever alone because my skin was different from everyone else’s. I started to second guess myself as person with many talents and that is beyond blessed. From being bullied and constantly being hurt by people who both know me and don’t know me, I’ve learned to forgive and forget. I can’t live my life angry because they missed out on knowing a charismatic individual like me. I learned to treat others how I want to be treated regardless of anything.

How has it strengthened me? God made me in his image. I was placed on this earth to show off his good works. Although my skin is bad, I am an intelligent individual with an amazing personality and capable of achieving any goals I have set. Through every hardships I’ve faced dealing with condition, made me a strong young lady with a positive mindset. God has placed me here to show the world with my bad skin I can be whatever I want. I stand tall as constant ichthyosis fighter. Although my fight is far from over, I am making it through until the end. 

Having a rare condition like Ichthyosis prepares you physically, mentally, and emotionally. It shows you how cruel the world can be along with the positive and motivating aspects. No matter what others may say and do, I always remember why I am here and what my main purpose is. I thank God, my family, and my friends for the help through my ups and downs. It is not easy but through it all I’m thankful for it. I look at it as because I have it I’m different. Because I have it, it shows my uniqueness in world where there is very little individuality. My scaly, rough, and flaky skin makes me who I am and I love it."



May is Ichthyosis Awareness Month - I am sharing stories of people who have experienced Ichthyosis. Read all stories in the Ichthyosis Awareness Month Blog Project here.

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18 comments:

  1. Kelly you are a beautiful young woman both inside and out. You've been a delight to me and your fello students

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  2. Hello Kelly this is Edrica Freshwater(koosie:) I was strolling my TL and I seen that you wrote your own book and I had to read it and as I was reading it I started to cry because I didn't have a clue that that's what you had to go through. I basically been knowing you all my life and I can truly say you inspire me. The nights we use to stay together at your granny house was nothing but happiness. Your personality, you smile, your energy just over weighs your condition. I have never been a judging a book by it's cover person and I enjoy the young lady you have become. No matter what you can always call on me boo and ip to you I will have you back. Happy Born Naked Day baby and I Love You Alot.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you big cousin. I love you more. & thank you for reading it. 😊

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  3. Kelly, this is so inspirational! I love you sweethear. Continue to fight the good fight of faith! It's so very true that you are an AMAZING individual! You always brighten my day with your hugs and God jokes lol. I'm so blessed to know such a strong fighter like yourself! Love you!

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    Replies
    1. Lol I love you mane. But thank you for reading it. ❤️

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  4. You did good & you're still beautiful πŸ˜˜πŸ’˜

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  5. Baby girl I am so proud of you! You're very special and I love you! You're confidence is through the roof! I wish I had as much confidence as you do, I'm working on it. I know things are difficult, but they'll get better! Your skin made you better! I just want you to know that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!! DON'T EVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU DIFFERENTLY!!
    Love, Queen Free

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    Replies
    1. Queen Free!!! I love you babe. & thank you for reading it. ☺️

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  6. I love it Kelly.😍 You have always been a strong positive girl. Keep it upπŸ‘‘πŸ˜˜

    -Donnika Williams

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  7. Kelly, you are the most out going person I know. I will never forget 7th grade when your aunt got everybody together to talk about your condition. You and me have always been close since we met in church; you my sister I hold very dear to my heart. You know I will get anyone straight that says some mean to you. I love yu Kelly B. You are beautiful hunny inside and out!!! From Tanganiqa Johnson or keke

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  8. Hi Kelly, I love your story. You are a beautiful and inspirational young woman. I am so glad you are studying allied health so you can help others. Rocking it! X

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  9. Hey Kelly,
    I meet you through my aunt Ruby when you were just a little girl. I remember fixing your hair for your mom and Tee Ruby. You were always a happy, smiling girl and I am glad to see that you have continued to smile and strive through your circumstances. You are right, God made you in his image and you are beautiful. Keep believing in yourself and striving to succeed.
    Pam Johnson

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  10. Kelly baby girl i couldnt help but cry reading this.tears of joy!so happy that God had molded u into this strong beautiful outgoing person.youre confidence is through the roof and its a must it stays there.being different is great.and u make different look great.kelly i dont know to many people that would go through this and still be that confidence.i love u.so proud of you

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    Replies
    1. I love you more big sister. Thank you for even stopping to read it. 😘

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  11. Hello Kelly, Thank you for sharing your story. My heart will be forever touched...not all chose to educate and open their heart. Please continue to be strong and pulled from the strength within. You have many more for you than against you. Please don't focus on the negative...no matter how difficult it may be. Many people need this story...allow God to use you-forever! Touch the world! Sharon in Texas

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for even reading it. It means so much. 😊

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  12. You're Beautiful Hunny , Don't Let Anyone Tell You Different πŸ’•πŸ˜˜

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