From stares to strength: How Keya’s story became a mirror for thousands

New Delhi: Keya, who was diagnosed with Parry-Romberg syndrome at age five.

Growing up, she faced stares, assumptions that her condition was contagious, and comments that no one would marry her unless she hid her face. With support from friends and her own resilience, she rebuilt her confidence and now shares her life online to challenge beauty norms.

The story drew hundreds of messages from people who said it made them feel seen for the first time. “I could serve as a source of confidence and motivation for them,” Keya said. The feature also boosted her online reach and led to new collaborations.