31 May 2023 , 08:05
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A man who suffers from multiple health conditions has revealed the hurtful names he's been called due to his pigmented skin and white-streaked hair - but is now raising awareness through embracing his body.
Growing up, FAiZY Jamal was called cruel names such as "burned-face" and often asked if he was much older than his years due to rare genetic condition, Waardenburg Syndrome, as well as vitiligo and Hirschsprung's disease.
As a result, the content creator suffers from hearing loss, loss of pigmentation across his face, neck, elbows and hair, as well as paralysis in his lower intestines, causing him to eat through a feeding tube for several years.
Now, in a bid to raise awareness, the 26-year-old has taken to TikTok (@FaizyLegend) to share his conditions, naming himself the real-life Wolverine after the Marvel character, with one video racking up 4.3m views and 189,000 likes.
FAiZY is raising awareness about his conditions (Jam Press/@?faizylegend)"I have been asked if I was 80 years old due to the white patches on my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes - I'm 26," FAiZY from Houston, Texas, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
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"When people notice my physical differences, this impacts my self-esteem.
"I was also asked if my face had been burned due to the presence of vitiligo."
FAiZY has arthritis and severe back pain, where he often has to use a wheelchair, as well as issues eating, and requires a feeding tube every now and again.
FAiZY was born with the conditions he has (Jam Press/@?faizylegend)For years, he had to have a central line and colostomy bag, but now his stomach is stronger and he's able to take food by mouth instead.
In his daily diet, he eats white bread, smoothies made from almonds, milk, honey and other fruits, as well as avocado oil and protein powder - but has to take any new introductions slowly to avoid any complications.
In a clip, FAiZY shows his friends eating and chatting at a restaurant, but he's unable to join in due to his deafness and Hirschsprung's disease.
Users flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with many leaving words of support.
FAiZY has pigmented skin (Jam Press/@?faizylegend)
He suffered bullying as a child but has learned to embrace his uniqueness (Jam Press/@?faizylegend)Jenison said: "Sir can I write a book with yr picture on it. Man u are handsome." [sic
Olivia commented: "I'm sorry you're going through this but if it helps I think you look like a superhero."
"Omg I love your look..I think your gorgeous they way you are," added another viewer [sic].
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Ahmad added: "I've never seen such a beautiful creation."
FAiZY with his family (Jam Press/@?faizylegend)"Wow you look majestic and unique," said Zara.
At the age of three, FAiZY had a cochlear implant - a surgically implanted device that improves his hearing - and has since undergone speech therapy and removal of his large intestines.
However, despite his ordeal, he's on a mission to inspire people to love themselves and hopes to raise awareness through embracing himself.
He added: "I've now stopped dying my hair and wearing makeup to cover my skin, as I've realised my beauty.
FAiZY calls himself the real-life Wolverine after the comic book character (Jam Press/@?faizylegend)"Since I was young, I've often pondered my purpose in life and questioned why I was the only one in my family with this condition.
"However, as I've grown older, I've come to realise that my purpose is to inspire others by sharing my struggles and how I've overcome them.
"My hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate in certain situations, especially in noisy environments or when speaking with people who have different accents.
FAiZY has shared his experiences on TikTok (Jam Press/@?faizylegend)"I have also experienced emotional difficulties such as depression, due to the challenges I have faced in social situations, such as feeling isolated and struggling to make friends.
"However, my dearest friend, Genesiz, who has consistently FaceTimed me everyday, always reminds me of how beautiful I am.
"I plan to continue inspiring others by showing that despite my disability, I am capable of achieving anything."