Chassidy Young American woman with tetra-amelia syndrome Date of Birth: 01.01.1987 Country: USA

1. An American with Tetra-amelia Syndrome
2. Overcoming Obstacles
3. A Nurturing Upbringing
4. Disappointment and Resilience
5. Embracing Differences
6. Seeking Acceptance
7. Motivational Inspiration

An American with Tetra-amelia Syndrome

Born without arms and with deformed feet, 33-year-old Hashidee embraces her body with love and laments the lack of courage in men to admit their attraction toward her. Residing with her "two sisters" in Dallas, Hashidee Young grapples with tetra-amelia syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder that results in the absence or malformation of limbs. Yet, Hashidee cherishes her body, finding comfort in it and expressing no desire to alter it. "I wouldn't know what to do if I woke up tomorrow with hands," she professes.

Overcoming Obstacles

Throughout her life, Young has faced stares and laughter, but instead of retreating into self-pity, she chooses to dress up and exude confidence. "I make a point to look fabulous all the time so that people do a double take," Hashidee adds. "They like my shoes, they like my hair, and then they notice I don't have any arms!"

Self-reliance is paramount to Young, yet she also acknowledges the need for occasional assistance. Her biological sister, Ashley, helps her with dressing and preparing for the day. "She's like my mini-mom, she's literally my right-hand," Hashidee says. Their roommate, Candace, is a long-time friend whom Hashidee considers an equal to her sisters. Thus, Young speaks of having two sisters.

A Nurturing Upbringing

Despite her physical challenges, her parents raised her without feeling disabled. "I grew up in a regular house and did everything a regular kid did," Young asserts.

Disappointment and Resilience

Despite the encouragement and support from her loved ones, Hashidee's journey has not been without its setbacks. As part of her sixth grade dance team, Young learned the routine and was set to perform on stage.

"When the time came to shine and to do it, they told me I couldn't do it," she recalls.

"I remember crying that day because it was the first time I realized that I'm not like the other kids and they're not like me. I'm going to hear 'no' more than they do and I'm not going to be able to do the things that they do."

It was the first time Hashidee truly felt different. However, she refused to let the incident define her and chose to never take mockery to heart.

Embracing Differences

"I remember kids pointing and laughing, but I don't remember taking it as bullying," the tetra-amelia woman adds. "I was prepared for the jokes and the looks."

Seeking Acceptance

This positive outlook has shaped the woman Hashidee has become. Even when discussing romantic relationships, Young proclaims that her limitations do not matter.

On the other hand, she cannot ignore the unfortunate fact that men are often deterred by her physical features.

"I think I'm a beautiful woman," she declares. "But men are afraid to show that they're attracted to me because they don't want me to think that they're a bad person for being attracted to me."

"But just don't look at Hashidee as the disabled girl. Look at my style, look at my hair."

Motivational Inspiration

Young's body positivity has also led her to become an inspiration to struggling youth. As a motivational speaker, Hashidee is regularly approached for advice.

Recently, she mentored a young boy named Cory, who had his legs amputated at a young age.

"I'm okay with my body," Hashidee says. "I embrace it. I'm who I am and I don't care if you like it or not, because I like it."