For the majority of my life I hid in shame until my Lipedema diagnosis. Today, I share my image to teach others about this disease.
We would like to thank you for supporting Debrena McEwen in this year's competition. Your support helps us contribute to the National Breast Cancer Foundation who provides early detection, education, and support services to those affected by breast cancer.
I like to tell all of the younger women friends of mine - IT GETS BETTER! With my 40s came a new found freedom. The wisdom, discernment, and self-acceptance that comes with your 40s is the breath of fresh air you didn't know you were living without. My 40s truly changed my life. I got free of living my life for arbitrary milestones to please my family and friends and began seeking out a life and lifestyle that was authentic for ME and me alone. I began to love myself out loud.
How do you stay fabulous?I know how "woo woo" it seems to say this, but its truly the root of what I consider the most fabulous quality about me: I actively confront my inner narratives of shame with compassion and truth! I can only experience and share the most amazing parts of myself when I can unravel false narratives about my value based on my age, weight, health, marital status etc. When I free myself from the grips of shame, I can see and you get to experience my authentic "dopeness!"
What would you do with the $40,000?I have this wild dream of designing a better arm compression solution for people who have to wear arm compression for Lipedema, Lymphedema, Breast Cancer, and Connective tissue disorder. I went viral on TikTok showing how difficult it is to don arm compression sleeves when your arms are too large for donning devices. Since I've been OBSESSED with solving this problem. $40,000 would fund design, development, and testing my concept! So lets do this! *Fingers Crossed*
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Fab Over 40, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
