Mahogany Geter was born with a rare condition, resulting in a 100-pound leg. Her life has been filled with challenges.
However, Mahogany’s life took a positive turn when an agency offered her a modeling job. She began promoting body positivity and encouraging everyone to embrace their uniqueness.
Living with a rare condition
Residing in Tennessee, Mahogany was born with lymphedema, a rare condition causing swelling due to excess fluids in the soft tissue. This condition led to her 100-pound leg.
Following her diagnosis, walking became extremely difficult. “It drains my energy, of course, because it’s an extra 100 pounds,” Mahogany said. She undergoes extensive physiotherapy and massages to manage the fibrosis in her leg.
Overcoming struggles
Reflecting on her struggles growing up, Mahogany shared, “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. It can affect you more mentally and emotionally.”
“As a child, I never felt pretty. I felt ugly, like a freak of nature, and cried in private so many times,” she said. Rejecting multiple surgeries suggested by doctors, Mahogany chose to accept herself as she was.
Her modeling journey began in 2017
While working at Walmart, Mahogany’s life changed in 2017 when she was offered a modeling job. A photographer noticed her, and she agreed to be photographed. “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.
Her career took off after being featured in a viral YouTube video, instantly growing her social media following. “Mainly, I’ve gotten a lot of positive responses, and the ones I like the most are that it helps people who also feel low about themselves,” Mahogany said.
Promoting self-love and positivity
Mahogany remains positive and encourages others to embrace their unique features. She spreads body positivity and urges people to love themselves. “People have been so nice and supportive of me online. It isn’t all trolling and negativity,” she said.
“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,” Mahogany added.
Her journey continues to inspire many.
Her struggles have made Mahogany stronger, and she uses her condition to inspire 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 in looks but as a person,” she said.
Do you know someone with unique conditions that inspire people in their daily life? Tell us in the comments!