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Isa-Bella Leclair, Who Suffers From Parkes-Weber Syndrome, Posts Bikini Pic Encouraging Body Confidence

By Lindsay McCane
Published on: 13:47 PST, Jul 16, 2015

Isa-Bella Leclair, a teen with Parkes-Weber syndrome, recently posted a bikini picture to inspire others to be confident in their bodies.

The 19-year-old college student, from New Brunswick, Canada, recently penned an essay about her rare genetic condition and included a bikini photo of herself from three years ago.

Isa-Bella, a student at the University of Ottawa, said she stumbled upon a Lymphedema blog, and after reading several entries, she decided to write a guest post. She included the bikini picture because she said it showcased her right leg well and she wanted to help raise awareness to the effects of Parkes-Weber, My Central Oregon reports.

In the photo, Isa-Bella’s right leg can be seen swollen to approximately twice the size of her left. She also had these words included in the photo: “”I WONT LET ANYONE DIM MY SUNSHINE BECAUSE THEY ARE BLINDED…ILL TELL THEM TO PUT ON SOME SUNGLASSES CAUSE I WAS Born This Way.”

Isa-Bella Leclair’s Parkes-Weber syndrome doesn’t define who she is, and she wants others to realize that they should embrace their bodies no matter how they look.

Parkes-Weber occurs when a child is born with a large number of abnormal blood vessels, according to Boston Children’s Hospital. This can lead to over sized limbs, or arteriovenous malformations, which can in turn affect the child’s heart. The abnormal blood vessels can also lead to large red stains on the skin known as port-wine stains.

In Leclair’s case, this means she has to wear a compression sleeve on her right leg 24-hours per day. She has also suffered from several heart complications due to the condition. While she is limited in what she can do because of her heart, Isa-Bell doesn’t let that slow her down. She tries to live her life to the fullest, and has found ways to stay active without further injuring her body.

“It’s always been difficult being active because of my heart problems (I am forbidden from doing any cardio), but I’ve found some alternatives that don’t push my limits (that’s the most important part—knowing your limits),” she wrote in her essay. “When I was in 3rd grade, I discovered what is now my favorite sport: snowboarding! Eating healthy, drinking water and getting enough rest is always good also to keep feeling good.”

Isa-Bella was born with Parkes-Weber syndrome, therefore she says she is used to people staring. However, she learned to understand that people are simply curious, and wanted to help raise awareness by explaining exactly what she suffered from.

Many people, especially young girls, worry constantly about what others think of them. They are constantly criqituing their bodies, and pointing out the flaws. However, Isa-Bella embraces her body and doesn’t let her condition define who she is in any way.

“My condition doesn’t define me and no way I will let it stop me from wearing a cute swimsuit or a cute dress. I don’t fit in skinny jeans or fancy shoes so I have to find alternatives, but I always end up still feeling good about my body,” she said. “For me, confidence is the most important part, because when people see someone confident in their body—even with a handicap—they don’t have pity but instead admiration, and that’s when you have the chance to be a good influence and change the standards of beauty.”

Isa-Bella’s essay was posted on Sunday, and has since gone viral. She said the amount of support she has received has been overwhelming.

“I am feeling a tornado of emotions since my story has gone viral on the Internet … and also recognize the responsibility that comes with being a role model,” she told People Magazine. “I’m very fortunate to have the possibility to inspire, but really everybody has. You just have to find a cause you believe in greatly and people who need a little extra light and guidance.”

[Photo via Twitter]

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