Thank you

Wow! What a big week I've had! Magazine appearances, a TV interview, No Limits filming and my real job. I am exhausted! And honoured.


I have been featured in New Idea magazine in Australia, and Pick Me Up magazine in the UK.  I also did a radio interview on 3CR about disability in the media.

I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read the New Idea article I featured in, especially those who have contacted me with their wishes. The response has been amazing! Nothing like I anticipated. I was portrayed so positively. I didn't write the article but my personality did shine through. 


I received calls, texts, emails, tweets, Facebook comments and praise from people face to face. My parents are so proud.

Strangers have written to me to thank me for raising awareness about ichthyosis. Some of these strangers have ichthyosis too - I have helped them. People I haven't heard from in years have written to me, congratulating me. Others I know have told me they just didn't realise the severity of ichthyosis. Famous people have written to me. Like super blogger Kerri Sackville: "YES! Keep meaning to tell you, I was pointing in the hairdresser's yesterday - I know her! (virtually). I know her!!!! FAB article. You GO girl! xxx" And singer Genevieve Maynard wrote some kind words via email and Twitter.


Comments touched me: 

"You are so amazing. That is all."

"Great photos Carly superstar! you look fantastic!"

 "Your an inspiration to everyone out there Carly , thanks for being u:) ps loved the article and so did our little boy who decided to eat it! Hehe.... Well done"

"I'm proud to be able to call Carly my friend. She might be brave, inspiring and confident but she's also caring, funny & honorable. I'm proud of you Carly! I'm REALLY proud of you Carly. Not only have you excelled in your career but you've exelled at life (AND not just because in the article it said that the doctors warned your parents you may not survive). And I hope you are told that every day, that what you have... Is special and you DO have the power to change peoples minds and perceptions. " 

"I saw you. I read about you. I showed everyone at work your article."
 
And comments made me laugh:

"Great article, Carly. My 2 year old son was kissing your photo last night."

"I blame you for the fact that I now have an interest in the Royal Wedding in Monaco & Daniel Radcliffes booze consumption, but seriously congrats on landing a great piece of stereotype busting & awareness raising (paint pallette lol). A win +++++ I wanted to avoid any misunderstandings so went in Sarah Leonardi's wedding outfit while awkwardly clutching a giant white carnation. Meant I could say ""just checking how the cover shoot turned out boys"."

There have been hundreds more comments. Wow.



I also received this comment:

"Your new idea article is lovely Carly :)

... but I read your untouched blog post and it made me all teary. I have to be honest, I much prefer to read your writing! I think you should consider writing an autobiography. and then when you start a changing faces in Australia you can write part 2 :) you are much more than a new idea story of the week!"

I have also been so moved by the response I've received from my Untouched blog entry. This is one of the realities of my life. And I am so proud that the words I've written about my own experiences have resonated with so many, from people with ichthyosis and other disabilities to the man whose arms I fell asleep in. 

I think I am reaching the right people. I think I am changing perceptions. I know I am doing this by just being myself. And for that I am proud.

My New Idea article scanned

Thank you to everyone who has left kind words about my New Idea article. Special thanks to Rebecca for making the lovely dress, Cheryl for the styling and for being pictured, and Steph for being my wonderful assistant at the photo shoot. And to Sydney Shop Girl for blogging about the article. 

New Idea were great to work with too.

Here's my article scanned for you. Thanks for your support. My rationale is here.

My feature in New Idea magazine

Today I feature in Australian tabloid magazine New Idea. I have done an interview and a photoshoot . Of course I was reluctant. I want to be in control of my story, as I've written. I've studied journalism and am a freelance writer. I am aware of some of the tricks and traps.

I was extremely hesitant of speaking to the media. I don't want sensationalism or pity. I have seen the draft of the New Idea story and I am very pleased. While I didn't write it, my words have been used as quotes and I've been portrayed well. It's a lovely story.  I don't believe I've compromised my integrity or lost my dignity.

Working my own story on DiVine, Ramp Up, No Limits and this blog allows me to reach a discerning and somewhat converted audience. However, I believe by me being courageous enough to present myself to mainstream media may help me change perceptions about disabilities and chronic illnesses in an audience who I haven't yet reached. An audience who may need an insight into what it's like living with looking so different.

My ichthyosis creates such polarising reactions - from pity, criticism and discomfort, to mouth-gaping horror - that sometimes using my looks when telling my story is the only way to create awareness and acceptance. I am strong, intelligent, articulate and confident, and I need to show this alongside a picture.

I have had some other media outlets approach me and I am considering their invites after receiving valuable advice from respected bloggers, PR companies and disability advocates.

While I was worried about my story being in the hands of the mainstream media, I am more worried about the reaction I may receive from those who know me, particularly in the disability community. I hope you respect my decision to share my story with New Idea and possibly other media outlets. This may be the launching pad for my Changing Faces dream, and even a bigger publishing opportunity. And it may make the ignorant think twice and give hope to others with ichthyosis.

Go out and get yourself a copy of New Idea magazine. I can autograph your copy ;)