Rhonda Manring has had a tumour on her face since she was two years old.
The 27-year-old from Virginia was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis – a genetic condition that causes benign tumours to grow along the nerves.
Growing up with the condition has been a difficult experience, with parents pulling their children away from Rhonda to avoid them ‘catching’ the tumour.
But despite the comments and being constantly stared at by strangers, Rhonda has learned to embrace her features and is now a makeup artist.
As she grew older, Rhonda developed a love of makeup, which motivated her to upload tutorials on Facebook and Instagram where she has amassed an impressive 9,000 followers.
Her social media community helped her embrace the condition.
She now wants to raise awareness of neurofibromatosis through makeup, to show that it is not a contagious condition and that everyone is beautiful despite society’s perception of beauty.
‘I’m a makeup enthusiast,’ she said. ‘I love being able to go into my makeup room and just create different looks.’
What is Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a condition you are born with and is the more common type. In most cases, the skin is affected which causes symptoms like; pale, coffee-coloured patches (café au lait spots), soft, non-cancerous tumours on or under the skin, clusters of freckles in unusual places (such as the groin, armpits and under the breast) and problems with the bones, eyes and nervous system.
NF1 is caused by a faulty gene, which leads to uncontrolled growth (tumours) developing in the nervous system. In half of all NF1 cases, the faulty gene is passed on from a parent to their child. Only one parent needs to have the faulty gene for their child to be at risk of developing the condition.
There is currently no cure for NF1; treatment involves regular monitoring and treating any health problems as they occur.
Rhonda loves playing with different looks. Following the death of Kobe Bryant, she created the number 24 – his jersey number for the Lakers – on her face using makeup.
She added: ‘I kept to myself throughout my years in school; I had a few good friends who are still by my side today and have loved and supported me
‘The toughest part of my journey was learning that people will treat you differently regardless of who you are on the inside.
‘I have always been a bright confident person. I don’t remember ever not being confident. My condition hasn’t affected my love life either; I don’t chase love, I let it find me.’
Rhonda shares positive messages about self-acceptance on her social media.
She said: ‘Don’t worry about how society thinks you should look, society is wrong; everyone is beautiful inside and out.
‘Love who God made you to be. I’m glad I have the life I have. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.’
If you have a condition that shaped you, please get in touch with metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk to tell us more.
MORE: Baby born with tumour the same size as his body
MORE: Bride is fundraising to remove huge non-cancerous tumour on her arm before the wedding
MORE: Mum’s rare genetic disorder leaves her body covered in thousands of tumours
source https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/29/woman-with-benign-facial-tumour-embraces-her-differences-and-becomes-makeup-artist-12144224/
0 Comments