Teen Who Can’t Blink Is Refusing Cosmetic Surgery Because She Likes Being Different

Going through your teen years can be a pretty difficult experience at the best of times.

But as well as the immediately relatable trauma that appears during adolescence, Holly Chidgey has even more to deal with - due to a rare condition that affects the development of a person's eyelids.

The 13-year-old was born with Blepharophimosis Ptosis Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome, which can result in a narrow eye opening, droopy looking eyes and other appearances.

Holly has already undergone two surgeries to help give her better eyesight and was offered a third procedure that would have been purely cosmetic. But the young girl loves the way she looks and wants to inspire other people to embrace their bodies, even if that means they stand out.

Her mum Lucy says: "She used to ask me why people were staring at her and one woman even tripped over her own feet because she was too busy looking at her.

"She takes it all in her stride. She would much rather people ask about her about her condition than just point and stare."

Lucy and her husband Garry knew something was different with Holly when she wasn't opening her eyes properly after her birth.

They took her to two GPs before eventually being referred to a local hospital where her condition was properly diagnosed.

Holly's first operation happened when she was just 15 months old and involved taking part of a muscle from her leg and implanting it into her forehead.

The inspiring teen says she's not bothered by any criticism she receives because of her appearance.

"For anyone in a similar position to me, I would just say don't worry about what people think and focus on the positive things, the things you're good at like dancing, swimming and gymnastics," she says.

"I don't worry about meeting new people even though I am shy. I always prefer people to ask me about my eye condition rather than mock."

Blepharophimosis Ptosis Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome is caused by a mutation to the FOXL2 gene and according to Genetics Home Reference, it's unclear how many people have this condition around the world.

Lucy adds: "We're so, so proud of our little girl. I really wish I'd had her attitude to life when I was her age.

"Even though she does struggle with anxiety she still overcomes everything."

Featured Image Credit: StoryTrender

Topics: Awesome, Inspirational, Community, Condition, Health

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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