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
Optical Illusion Unveils Your Romantic Personality Type
Optical illusions have a fascinating way of tricking our minds—making us see things that aren’t really there or causing us to miss the obvious. Beyond their entertaining nature, these illusions often spark curiosity and deeper conversations. They can also serve as a window into your personality, including insights into your approach to love.
The following optical illusion is designed to reveal what kind of lover you are based on the first image you notice. Understanding your romantic tendencies can be essential for building a strong relationship grounded in communication, understanding, and mutual respect.
Relationships thrive on emotional connection and shared values, and this test offers a glimpse into how you express love and what you value most in a partnership. By learning more about yourself, you can foster deeper connections with your significant other.
Take a moment to examine the image below and note what you see first.
Here’s what it says about you:
If You First Noticed the Face
You are determined and goal-oriented, always planning your next move with confidence. As a natural leader, you’re known for your reliability and decisiveness.
As a lover: You value quality time and believe that prioritizing your partner is key to a successful relationship. You appreciate when your partner makes time for you despite their busy schedule and reciprocate by making them a priority in your life.
If You First Noticed the Trees
Your sensitivity is your hallmark. Past heartbreaks may have left emotional scars, but you carry hope and resilience into new relationships.
As a lover: You believe in the power of vulnerability. Sharing your fears, pain, and emotions with your partner helps you build meaningful connections. For you, even small acts of emotional openness can deepen intimacy.
If You First Noticed the Wolf
Passion and confidence define you. You’re a magnetic personality, the life of the party, and someone who knows how to make others feel comfortable and entertained.
As a lover: Physical touch is your love language. From sweet gestures to moments of intimacy, you express your affection through action rather than words. While you enjoy playful interactions, tender moments of cuddling and gentle affection reveal your softer side.
If You First Noticed the Moon
You’re a dreamer with a love for art, music, and other creative expressions. Inspiration fuels your soul, and you often see beauty in the world’s spiritual and artistic side.
As a lover: Your love is expressed through creativity. Whether it’s a poem, a painting, or a song, your partner inspires your artistic pursuits. For you, every act of creativity is a heartfelt dedication to the one you love.
If You First Noticed the House
Home and security are your sanctuary. You find joy in cozy, intimate settings and cherish the simple pleasures of life with your partner.
As a lover: You show your affection by caring for your partner’s needs, often through acts of service. Preparing a comforting meal or creating a warm, inviting space is your way of expressing how much they mean to you.
By understanding your romantic personality, you can deepen your bond with your partner and grow closer in your relationship.
Share this article with your friends and loved ones on Facebook and discover their romantic sides too!
Leave a Reply