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
Farewell to a Country Legend
Throughout his illustrious career, Alan Jackson has released several important albums that have solidified his status as a country music legend. Albums such as “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” (1991), “A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ’bout Love)” (1992), and “Who I Am” (1994) have all produced multiple chart-topping singles.
With a voice that resonates with authenticity and lyrics that capture the essence of life, Jackson has been recognized with numerous awards, including Grammys, CMA Awards, and ACM Awards.
His remarkable talent has also earned him a well-deserved place in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Despite his immense success, Jackson has been facing a personal challenge. Approximately three years ago, he revealed that he has been living with a degenerative nerve condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease for the last decade.
This condition primarily affects the peripheral nerves in the arms and legs, leading to muscle weakness and decreased sensation. Symptoms often begin in the feet and legs, impacting mobility and causing difficulties with walking.
Despite these challenges, Jackson has remained resilient and determined to give his fans the performances they deserve.
To kick off this memorable tour, Alan Jackson will be taking the stage in Boston before heading to other cities like Kansas City, Fort Worth, and Orlando.
Tickets for these highly anticipated shows will go on sale on Friday, June 7th. This is a unique opportunity to witness a country music legend bid farewell to the stage, and fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early.
Country music legend Alan Jackson has made a surprising announcement: he will be embarking on what may be his final live tour. The Last Call: One More For the Road tour, which began in 2022, will continue through 2025, giving fans one last chance to see this iconic performer live on stage. With sold-out shows and packed crowds all across the country, this tour is not one to miss.
In an emotional Instagram post, Jackson expressed his excitement for the tour, saying, “Some of the best times are had right at last call, and this is one last call that you don’t want to miss!”
Known for his classic hits like “Chattahoochee” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” Jackson promises to deliver the songs that have defined his career and touched the hearts of millions of fans.
Don’t miss your last chance to experience the magic of Alan Jackson live in concert. Join him as he takes a final bow and celebrates a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the world of country music. Get ready for a night of music, memories, and an unforgettable farewell from a true country legend.
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