With the rise of social media, we’re constantly seeing images of perfect-looking people, making the world seem even more focused on appearances.
For those who don’t fit this “perfect” mold, life can be tough, with strangers feeling the need to criticize others based on their looks.
Karine de Souza knows this all too well. The Brazilian woman has a rare skin condition that requires her to cover her skin in SPF100 sunscreen, even when she’s indoors.
At age three, Karine was diagnosed with Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a rare condition that makes her very sensitive to sunlight and puts her at high risk for skin cancer.
This condition, which has no cure, means her skin can’t repair damage from UV rays. Just a few minutes in the sun can lead to very painful sunburns for her. As a child, she had to stay inside most of the time because being outside was too dangerous.
She explains, “I don’t feel anything right away when I’m in the sun, but later on, I get painful lesions that need to be removed because of cancer.”
Karine has had 130 surgeries to remove lesions caused by the sun, including parts of her lower lip and nose.
But her challenges go beyond physical pain. She often gets stared at and has faced verbal abuse both in person and online.
Despite all this, Karine stays positive and happy. She even found love with her husband, Edmilson, whom she met through social media. Edmilson was drawn to her story and strength, and he’s always been by her side, knowing he wanted to spend his life with her.
He also decided to embrace Karine’s three children from her previous relationship, which of course, meant a lot to Karine.
”He came and he showed me that I could live a true love story”, she says.
But after posting photos of them together online, Karine was once again exposed to a whole host of offensive comments.
”We have already read many offensive comments calling me a monster, deformed, a zombie,” Karine said, as per the Daily Mail.
Other comments suggested that their relationship wasn’t genuine and that Karine was a ”sugar mommy,” and that she must be very rich.
”Because of the fact he’s a young man and pretty, that caught people’s attention and they didn’t believe that he was with me because he really liked me,” Karine said.
A photographer who captured the couple after they got engaged posted a selection of the images online and wrote:
”In a world where appearance matters more than the feeling, they met not by chance, but by a gathering of souls, an encounter of acceptance and character and love emerged when their souls met and today you are the inspiration to so many people who do not believe in themselves, in life and especially in love.
“THANK YOU every day for being who you are. STOP complaining for being like you are. HUG LIFE, and accept yourself. Much gratitude for teaching me so much. You guys are AMAZING. You are the missing hope in so many people. Thank you for the big hug, and for the wonderful day we experienced together. I carry your smile with me forever.”
His heartfelt words and beautiful images he captured of Karine and Edmilson went viral, and thousands of people commented, congratulating the couple.
Karine wants others to realize the importance of being positive.
”Be happy, smile, because life happens only once,” she said.
In 2023, Karine and Edmílson welcomed a baby girl into the world, and they couldn’t be happier! Their daughter, Zaia, was long awaited – Karine and her husband had been trying for a baby since 2020.
Karine has been through so much but thanks to her positive attitude she has found the happiness she deserves.
Her story is inspirational so help us inspire others in similar situations by sharing this story with your friends and family.
Your Body Will Signal These 7 Warning Signs One Month Before a Heart Attack
Did you know that heart attacks rank as the primary cause of mortality in the United States?
The surge in this ailment over recent years can be attributed to the rapid pace of life and unhealthy dietary patterns. Recognizing the indicators of heart failure well in advance, even up to a month prior, can prove immensely advantageous and potentially life-saving. Alongside adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing stress levels, this foresight can serve as a shield against heart failure.
Here are some signs to heed, as they may forewarn of an impending heart attack within a month, warranting serious attention:
Swollen Feet:
Congestive heart failure may impede the lower chambers of the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, resulting in the accumulation of blood in the legs, ankles, and feet, leading to swelling.
Fatigue:
Narrowing arteries can reduce blood supply to the heart, compelling it to work harder, culminating in pronounced tiredness and lethargy.
Shortness of Breath:
Diminished blood flow to the heart may entail insufficient oxygen supply to the lungs. Given their interconnectedness, difficulty in breathing could signal a looming medical emergency.
Weakness:
Constricted arteries hinder proper blood circulation, precipitating weakness in the body and elevating the risk of unforeseen falls.
Dizziness and Cold Sweats:
Inadequate blood circulation to the brain poses a grave threat to life, initially manifesting as dizziness and clamminess. These symptoms should never be dismissed lightly.
Chest Pressure:
Discomfort or pressure in the chest could herald the onset of a heart attack, with the sensation intensifying gradually until the actual event occurs.
Symptoms resembling Flu or Cold:
The sudden onset of flu-like symptoms might signify an imminent flu episode. Many individuals mistakenly attribute early cold symptoms to the flu’s onset.
Prompt medical intervention is imperative upon observing these symptoms, whether in yourself or others. Early detection plays a pivotal role in averting a heart attack.
Dr. Travis Stork’s Insights on Heart Attack Symptoms
Heart Attack Cough (Self Aid) Demonstration
Remember to share with your family and friends, you could be helping someone in need!
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