I Choose To Be Happy: Lizzie Valasquez at TEDxYouth@Austin

Lizzie is living with a syndrome so rare that it remains undiagnosed. There are just three people in the world, including her, who are known to have it. Currently 23 years old, she weighs only around 60 pounds. She has been featured on The Today Show, Dr. Drew, Entertainment Tonight, and the Bobby Bones Show, and is the author of two books. While living with her condition has caused tremendous challenges, Lizzie calls it the "greatest blessing of her life." She has embarked on an inspiring journey to redefine beauty.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[mikemccormick]

The more you watch Lizzie the more she draws you in. She’s beautiful.

[bigyikes]

She is so sweet. It really makes me angry that there are people out there who would send hate her way.

[yeswelog]

She has made me more stronger mentally i can get out of depression 30 seconds right after she starts talking such a beautiful and strong woman

[ARH]

we can all use a friend like her . she is probably the most amazing person in the world. lizzie i love you and you are beautiful inside and out thank you for being my role model.

[julievanderleest]

I once saw a video on YouTube titled “kids who were born looking like creatures.” The thought that someone would make such a horrible video was appalling. I was born with a very rare syndrome myself and on the video, there was a little boy who was born with the same syndrome. It hurt terribly and it broke my heart because these kids were beautiful and they certainly had feelings too.

[darkadderall]

She's so intelligent, so motivated, I love it! Turning the trolls' bigoted actions and words into motivational and inspirational fuel, which she thrives on; it's not an easy thing to do, but she managed to do it at such a young age.

[_LeThaoTrinh]

the heart-warming thing was when she ended her speech and she going to back backstage, people gave her applause and stood up. i feel like it could soothe her a lot, and she is such a talented lady.

[wcdjjle]

すごいかっこいい生き方。
自分には絶対できない。

なにより両親がすばらしい。

[o-.]

こんなに大勢の人の前で
堂々と言葉を発っしたって事だけで
私は凄いと思うな……。

[harvquilas]

Her brain is beautiful and her heart is nourished by love, understanding and support from the loving people that raised her. She's lucky to have a family who raised her with optimism to give her the mindset of being normal despite the odds.

[grababana]

What an amazing woman. No, I don't think she's ugly, everyone looked good. Now, I'm not saying that to be kind, I really mean it! I don't think she's ugly. May she lead a good life!

[kathleenduncan]

This young lady is so awesome her parents did a remarkable job God bless them!

[fyvwfxo]

なんて強い人なんだろう。この人の生き様が美しい。

誰もこの人を不幸にすることなんて出来ないね。

[bjfnbyt]

すっごい強い人だなぁ
強くなっていったんだなぁ

ちゃんと泣いて悲しんでから前に進むのも素敵。
ただただ尊敬します

[dannyrisse]

Hey Lizzie! You're BEAUTIFUL in mind, body, and soul. Thank you for being you and for sharing this important content. ( I know you've been posting for years but thanks to a CNN article I just learned who you are) Now more than ever, we need to treat every human being with respect and dignity. I've been guilty of being ignorant, as many of us have. I've learned something from your videos and your bravery and you inspire me to be a better man for this world. I hope I can be as brave as you one day.

[nirweln]

なんて強い女性なんだと思いました
私だったらこんなに強く生きられない
演説も素晴らしいです👏

[chrisiman-rowt]

This young lady is such a sweet person who has more determination than most people I’ve ever encountered. 👍

[anwaar]

3 minutes into the video and I already have goose bumps. she's a beautiful human being. God bless her.

[rebeccastuart]

Lizzie, you are one of my heroes. You GO girl!

[onxymzu]

この人は良い親を持ったんだなと思う
この人のように自力でなれるのは何年後だろうか、頑張ろう