My Sideways Spine Won’t Stop Me Thriving ｜ BORN DIFFERENT

A 31-YEAR-OLD WOMAN born with a curved spine is advocating for self-love and championing body positivity through aerial art. Bekah Cloud, a yoga instructor from Florida, was born with VATER Syndrome, a set of birth defects that frequently occur together, and include the curvature of her spine (scoliosis). Standing at just 4ft 7” tall, the 31-year-old grew up knowing she looked differently and was used to being stared and pointed at. Despite approximately 30 surgeries endured throughout her life and chronic pain, Bekah grew up "without limitations" and has been a dancer from a very young age. Her condition doesn't keep her from practicing yoga, and hanging on hoops and pieces of fabric whilst she does aerial art. The body positivity advocate says that through aerial and yoga she feels empowered and with her social media presence she wants to educate others and connect with people who struggle with body image the same way she used to struggle.