Tamara Wiedersum, a 27-year-old woman born with a rare condition known as facial paralysis or facial palsy, has shared her inspiring journey of self-acceptance and newfound confidence despite facing relentless bullying and taunts from bullies throughout her life. Her story is a testament to her strength and resilience.
Tamara’s diagnosis of facial paralysis, a condition caused by nerve dysfunction, occurred during her toddler years. This condition, affecting approximately 15 in every 100,000 individuals annually, can lead to the inability to move some or all facial muscles on one or both sides of the face.
The challenges brought about by facial paralysis, however, extended beyond the physical aspects. Tamara endured cruel taunts and bullying at school, where she was even compared to the character Gollum from “The Lord of the Rings.” It took doctors a year to diagnose her condition, a period that left her parents devastated.
Tamara shared her experience: “It affects the right side of my face, even my eye, which doesn’t close completely.” Her parents sought answers from multiple doctors during this difficult time.
The relentless bullying and trolling she experienced at the hands of her peers took a toll on her self-esteem, causing her to feel inadequate and insecure about her appearance. Despite these challenges, Tamara’s spirit remained resilient.
As she grew into adulthood, Tamara decided to consult surgeons to address her facial paralysis. In 2019 and 2020, she underwent cross-facial nerve graft surgeries. Additionally, in 2021, she opted for eye correction surgery, which improved her sight and contributed to minor facial corrections.
The most significant change in Tamara’s life emerged from these surgeries—she could finally smile. She described the procedure: “The cross-facial nerve graft is basically implanting a muscle and a nerve into the affected side.” This transformation brought immense joy and disbelief as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, now able to smile freely.
In 2023, Tamara’s confidence has been restored, and she embraces her beauty. She has found love and is in a fulfilling relationship supported by her loving family and friends. Tamara’s message to others with facial differences or disabilities is empowerment and self-acceptance. She encourages them always to remember their beauty and uniqueness and to believe in themselves and their capabilities. Tamara’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of self-love and acceptance.
She concludes with these inspiring words: “There’s always something you’re good at. For me, that is singing, dancing, playing piano, and writing. Find the things you’re good at, and you will have an outlet that heals you and makes you stronger. You automatically gain confidence if you know what you’re good at.”
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