Teen's Body-Positive Selfie Proves Her Rare Disorder Doesn't Define Her

Teen's Body-Positive Selfie Proves Her Rare Disorder Doesn't Define Her

Isa-Bella Leclair isn't letting let her medical condition get in the way of body love.

Nineteen-year-old Leclair suffers from Parkes Weber Syndrome, a vascular disorder that can cause "port-wine" stains, heart issues, and vascular swelling. The disease has caused her right leg to swell up to almost 40 pounds -- but that doesn't stop her from snowboarding, competing in beauty pageants and taking pictures in a bikini.

"My condition doesn’t define me and no way I will let it stop me from wearing a cute swimsuit or a cute dress," Leclair told blogger Alexa from The Lymphie Life. "I don’t fit in skinny jeans or fancy shoes so I have to find alternatives, but I always end up still feeling good about my body."

Leclair said that she is used to curiosity about her leg and her other health issues, and wants to educate other people about her condition. Now that her selfie is going viral, she can share her empowering message of body love worldwide.

"For me, confidence is the most important part, because when people see someone confident in their body -- even with a handicap -- they don’t have pity but instead admiration, and that’s when you have the chance to be a good influence and change the standards of beauty," she told The Lymphie Life.

Preach, girl.

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