Standing on the sidelines, trading banter with ease as she interviews top Super Rugby players for her 40,000 online followers, Tayla Clement is in her element.
It’s a long way from her earlier years when she was relentlessly bullied for her appearance, leaving her so severely traumatised she suffered up to 10 seizures a day and made multiple attempts to take her own life.
Tayla was born with Moebius syndrome, which affects the nerves in her face so it’s not possible for her to conventionally smile, move her eyes horizontally or raise her eyebrows. The condition is so rare, there are only one or two cases in every million.
For a long time, the condition ruled Tayla’s life as she suffered constant bullying, which she battled to hide from her parents Mike and Nicki.
Some of the worst moments were after a failed major operation at 12, where surgeons attempted to transplant nerves from her legs to her face so she could smile.
“I was hanging all my hopes and dreams on this surgery, thinking, ‘If I can smile, I’m going to have friends and not be bullied any more,’ and it really wasn’t the case,” recalls the 25-year-old.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 21, 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 21, 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills