#BeYourOwnIcon: Isa-Bella LeClair

Isa-Bella Leclair was born with a rare condition that makes one of her legs swell up to 2+ times the size than the other.

Despite having this extremely visible difference from other women, Isa-Bella lives her life with confidence and doesn’t try to hide her larger leg. She even entered and won a beauty pageant in her hometown of Campbellton, New Brunswick - winning the title of 1st princess.

American Sunglass finds Isa-Bella’s confidence and message inspiring. She strives to show other girls that beauty doesn’t have to conform to the world’s typical standards.

Isa-Bella’s Condition

Isa-Bella was born with Parker Weber Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that means that the lymph nodes in her right leg are damaged, causing fluid to collect there. This also causes a large red mark on her leg called a “port-wine stain”.

There are other complications with this condition - the excess of blood can cause congenital heart failure and bacterial infections can occur in places where the lymph leaks.

Despite these challenges, Isa-Bella stays positive and finds things she loves to do within her limits. She’s forbidden to do cardio because of her heart problem, but she has found that she can snowboard and she absolutely loves it.

Isa-Bella’s Message

Isa-Bella posts selfies on her social media in hopes that they inspire other young girls to be confident in their own skin.

“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 wrote in an essay on the Lymphie Life blog.

Isa-Bella emphasizes that you can’t love others until you love yourself.