Social media is full of images of people who look perfect. It often makes people focus too much on appearance, and those who don’t fit these beauty standards face harsh judgment.
For some, this criticism comes from strangers online who feel the need to comment on how someone looks. Karine de Souza understands this more than anyone.
The 33-year-old from Brazil was diagnosed with Xeroderma Pigmentosum when she was three. This rare condition makes her extremely sensitive to UV rays, putting her at high risk for skin cancer. She must wear SPF100 sunscreen at all times, even indoors.
A few minutes in the sun can cause severe burns, and her skin cannot heal from the damage. Over the years, she has undergone 130 surgeries to remove lesions, including parts of her nose and lower lip.
But her struggles are not just physical. People often stare at her in public, and she has faced negative comments both in her community and online.
Despite these challenges, Karine remains positive. She found love through social media when she met Edmilson. He was drawn to her strength and knew he wanted to be with her.
He not only fell in love with Karine but also welcomed her three children from a previous relationship. This meant a lot to her.
But when Karine shared pictures of them online, some people left hurtful comments. They called her names and questioned whether their relationship was real. Others assumed she was rich and that Edmilson was only with her for money.
Some couldn’t believe that a young man would choose to be with her. But Karine and Edmilson ignored the negativity.
A photographer who captured their engagement photos shared them online and wrote about their love story. His words touched many people, and the photos quickly went viral. Thousands commented, supporting the couple.
Karine believes in staying positive and encourages others to do the same.
In 2023, Karine and Edmilson had a baby girl named Zaia. After trying for a baby since 2020, they were overjoyed to welcome their daughter into the world.