I was born with a teratoma, which is a type of tumor, and could barely breathe. Its removal resulted in my face being nearly half-paralyzed, giving me a distinct appearance. Growing up with a facial difference changed the way the world viewed me. I was often stared at, mocked and ridiculed, but I was also loved. Mine is a story of emotional struggle and ultimately of acceptance. Most importantly, I don’t let what some would consider a deformity stop me from living.