Thanks to the rise of social media, we’re all bombarded with images of seemingly perfect-looking people; it seems as though the world has become even more shallow in how people are judged.
For those of us that don’t fit the stereotypical “perfect” mold, the world can seem very cruel, with complete strangers feeling it necessary to criticize someone based on their appearance on social media.
Karine de Souza knows this more than anyone. The Brazilian has spent her life covering her skin in SPF100 sunscreens – even when she’s inside her home – due to her rare skin condition.
The 33-year-old was diagnosed with Xeroderma Pigmentosum when she was three years old which means she is at high risk of skin cancer.
Her ”one-in-a-million” condition, which is incurable, means she is highly sensitive to UV rays as she lacks the ability to repair any damage the sun causes to her skin.
Just a few minutes in the sun can mean incredibly painful sunburn for her. Growing up, she was often isolated from the outside world because it was too dangerous for her to spend too much time outside her house.
“When I expose myself to the sun it doesn’t happen in the moment, I don’t feel anything. However, in the future, the lesions appear and need to be removed because of cancer,” she said.
Karine has had to endure 130 surgical procedures to remove lesions caused by the sun, including the removal of her lower lip and part of her nose.
Sadly, it is not only a physical battle she has to endure. Karine often gets stared at in the street and has been the victim of verbal abuse both within her community and online.
But despite her suffering, she remains upbeat and happy and has even found love.
She met her husband Edmilson through social media, who fell in love with her “story and her strength.” Edmilson has always stood by Karine’s side, and he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
He also decided to embrace Karine’s three children from her previous relationship, which of course, meant a lot to Karine.
”He came and he showed me that I could live a true love story”, she says.
But after posting photos of them together online, Karine was once again exposed to a whole host of offensive comments.
”We have already read many offensive comments calling me a monster, deformed, a zombie,” Karine said.
Other comments suggested that their relationship wasn’t genuine and that Karine was a ”sugar mommy,” and that she must be very rich.
”Because of the fact he’s a young man and pretty, that caught people’s attention and they didn’t believe that he was with me because he really liked me,” Karine said.
A photographer who captured the couple after they got engaged posted a selection of the images online and wrote:
”In a world where appearance matters more than the feeling, they met not by chance, but by a gathering of souls, an encounter of acceptance and character and love emerged when their souls met and today you are the inspiration to so many people who do not believe in themselves, in life and especially in love.
“THANK YOU every day for being who you are. STOP complaining for being like you are. HUG LIFE, and accept yourself. Much gratitude for teaching me so much. You guys are AMAZING. You are the missing hope in so many people. Thank you for the big hug, and for the wonderful day we experienced together. I carry your smile with me forever.”
His heartfelt words and beautiful images he captured of Karine and Edmilson went viral, and thousands of people commented, congratulating the couple.
Karine wants others to realize the importance of being positive.
”Be happy, smile, because life happens only once,” she said.
In 2023, Karine and Edmílson welcomed a baby girl into the world, and they couldn’t be happier! Their daughter, Zaia, was long awaited – Karine and her husband had been trying for a baby since 2020.
Karine has been through so much but thanks to her positive attitude she has found the happiness she deserves.
Her story is inspirational so help us inspire others in similar situations by sharing this story with your friends and family.
She was expected to be Hollywood’s biggest star. But then everything changed tragically
Sharon Marie Tate’s story began on January 24, 1943, in the heart of Texas. The eldest of three daughters, she grew up in a military family, moving from city to city, each new place adding a layer to her intriguing persona.
As a child, Sharon was a beacon of beauty and grace, traits that would later define her career. By the time she was 16, she had already earned her first title, “Miss Richland,” hinting at the stardom that lay ahead.
The Hollywood Dream
Sharon’s journey to Hollywood wasn’t a simple leap; it was a series of calculated steps. Moving to Los Angeles in 1961, she started with small roles in television series like “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” But it was her role in the 1967 film “Valley of the Dolls” that truly showcased her talent and charisma.
Audiences were captivated by her ethereal beauty and on-screen presence. Films like “The Fearless Vampire Killers,” directed by her future husband Roman Polanski, and “Don’t Make Waves” solidified her place in Hollywood.
Marriage to Roman Polanski and Glamour
Sharon Tate’s life was a blend of Hollywood glamour and personal charm. She met Roman Polanski in 1964 on the set of “The Fearless Vampire Killers.” Their connection was instant, and they married in a picturesque ceremony in London on January 20, 1968.
Their relationship was a whirlwind of passion, creativity, and mutual admiration, often described as a modern-day fairytale amidst the glitz of Hollywood. They say Sharon always liked shorter and plump guys. Some say it was like that because she wanted to be worshiped by her lovers.
A Dark Night in Hollywood
The fairytale, however, was tragically short-lived. On August 9, 1969, the world was rocked by the news of Sharon Tate’s brutal murder. Eight months pregnant, Sharon and four others were killed by members of the Manson Family in her Los Angeles home. This act of senseless violence not only ended her life but also marked a dark chapter in Hollywood history.
The Manson Family, led by the deranged Charles Manson, targeted Sharon’s home due to its previous occupant, a record producer who had spurned Manson. The horrific event shattered the peace of the 1960s, leaving an indelible scar on the collective memory of the nation.
She was expected to be even bigger than Marilyn Monroe and other Hollywood stars at the time. Her life was taken so early and we were deprived of an amazing and young aspiring actress.
An Enduring Legacy
Sharon Tate’s life, though tragically brief, continues to resonate deeply in popular culture. Her performances, particularly in “Valley of the Dolls,” have immortalized her as a symbol of beauty and talent cut short.
Tarantino sought to capture her essence as a vibrant, kind-hearted individual whose life was filled with promise and joy. The film received critical acclaim and reintroduced Sharon to a new generation, ensuring that her legacy as a beloved actress and a symbol of lost potential endures.
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