At ReMARKable You!, we want to highlight the incredible work of individuals who choose to celebrate their differences and make their mark on the world! Are you a person or do you know a person who would like to share their remarkable story? Click the link at the bottom of the page to apply to be a ReMARKable Champion!
ReMARKable You! would like to celebrate Liz Stern as a ReMARKable Champion! Liz has Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) in her left leg and Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita (CMTC).
Liz’s journey towards diagnosis was not an easy one. Initially, she was diagnosed with KTS, but upon seeking a second opinion, she was diagnosed with Macrocephaly Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita (MCMTC). As she got older, however, she did not demonstrate the Macrocephaly symptoms, but rather more just CMTC symptoms. CMTC is characterized by discolored patches of the skin caused by dilated surface blood vessels, giving the skin a marbled or “fishnet” appearance.
As a result of her condition, Liz has undergone two surgeries to help with the overgrowth in her left leg. When she was only a year old, she had a procedure to remove a large bump from the top of her left foot and second toe. Then, at the age of 12, she had to have her left knee growth plate stunted, as her left leg had become longer than her right, and the doctors wanted to give her right leg time to grow. Due to her symptoms of swelling and varicose veins in her leg, Liz wears compression stockings, but may in the future have to undergo sclerotherapy.
Growing up with her vascular birthmark syndrome has not stopped Liz from doing remarkable things! Liz loves writing short films and recently started college as a film and cinema studies major. Her favorite part of writing screenplays is the fact that she gets to decide what happens to the characters. Liz also really enjoys watching television shows and movies, especially when she can relate to a character onscreen.
When she is not working on her film projects, Liz enjoys taking long walks with her friends and her dog. She enjoys the peace of nature and being outdoors. Liz also joined me on a road trip to Michigan this summer, where we got to participate in the Purple Polka Dot Race, which supports the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation.
If Liz could give a piece of advice that she has learned by growing up with her condition, she would tell others that you don’t owe anyone an explanation of your diagnosis, especially if you don’t feel comfortable explaining it. She believes that people should not be judged based on their physical appearance or disabilities but rather by their personality.
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