About
Lizzie Velásquez is an author and motivational speaker who is known for speaking against bullying and body image issues inspired by growing up with a rare medical condition with symptoms similar to progeria.
Online History
On July 22nd, 2010, Velásquez’ book Lizzie Beautiful, the Lizzie Velásquez Story[1] was released. On March 1st, 2012, Velásquez’ second book Be Beautiful, Be You[2] was published. On December 20th, 2013, Velásquez uploaded her TEDxAustin presentation in which she discusses her medical condition and what it has done for her (shown below). In the first six months, the video gained over 5.9 million views and 8,100 comments.
Kickstarter Campaign
On May 2nd, 2014, Velásquez launched a Kickstarter[3] campaign titled “The Lizzie Project” for a film following Lizzie’s life and experiencing dealing with bullying in hopes to “inspire a more positive online world” (shown below). In the first month, the campaign reached over $200,000 of its $180,000 goal.
Personal Life
Velásquez was born four weeks prematurely on March 13th, 1989 in Austin, Texas. She is a self-professed Roman Catholic and has thanked God for blessing her with her medical condition