Knoxville’s Mahogany Geter is a model going viral for showcasing body positivity while living with a painful illness that led to her 100-pound leg.
The 23-year-old model was born with lymphedema, a disease that leads to excess fluid build-up in an arm or leg. In Getere’s case, her left leg has swelled up, adding an extra hundred pounds to her body.
In an interview with ABC News 10, Geter explained, “It drains my energy, of course, because it’s an extra 100 pounds. So when I say I’m not very fast, or my mobility is limited, it’s very true.”
With some humor, she added, “If I’m in a movie with a psycho killer, I’m done for. I can’t jog, I can’t sprint, the best I can do is hide.”
The growth of her leg has affected her mobility, but her mindset is strong. Currently, Geter does not intend to have her leg amputated, although many have suggested it.
“I have had my fair share of ignorant comments. One person told me my leg looked like a ham roll, and one girl at school called me a deformed b***h. It has been so hard to rise above these mean people, but I have no other choice,” she said.
In 2017, Geter got her first modeling gig when a photographer approached her while working the self-checkout station at Walmart. She took some time to think about it but agreed.
She said, “I’m getting older now. Maybe it’s time I start putting my full body out there.” She was hopeful that doing this would allow her to help someone else.
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Low and behold, the company Truly, featured Geter in a YouTube video that has garnered over 4,000,000 views. She’s also been featured on Snapchat and other social media channels.
Geter has confidently maintained her positivity, although it was not always easy. She realized her self-care is important.
“If I don’t keep on top of my condition, I get flare-ups. It can be overwhelming. When I feel low, I take steps now to build myself up. I take a break from social media. I listen to music, meditate and definitely talk to my mother because she’s like my therapist,” she said, according to The Daily Mail.
“I want to inspire other people to celebrate their differences. I now believe I am beautiful on the inside and out. I’m proud of what my body can do.”
