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When I Was Told to 'Get a Body Transplant’

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I have a severe kyphosis curve of over 100°. Getting rude comments about my condition isn’t exactly new, but this was on another level.

A few weeks ago I was approached by someone and asked, “Why is your appearance like that? What happened to you?” I explained how I didn’t want to go into it, that it’s complicated. I was then told to “get a body transplant” and they made a few other comments about the way I look.

The whole restaurant watched it happen, giving me sympathetic glances and not saying a word, which only made me feel worse.

At first, I was in shock, as I am every time something like this happens, but it then turned into upset and almost anger.

We’re in 2019 and this is still something disabled people deal with on a daily basis, which is shocking. It shouldn’t be happening. I wouldn’t wish for anyone to be in that position; it’s upsetting, humiliating and hurtful.

If you see this happening, don’t stand by. Say something. Imagine if that was your child, sibling or loved one in that position. Wouldn’t you do something then?

Teach your children about disabilities and that not everyone looks the same, so they can grow to be kind to others.

Getty image by Carla Castagno.

Originally published: April 28, 2019
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