#38: Making Lemonade?
Mary Ann Bevan, an Englishwoman born in 1874, experienced a dramatic transformation in her life due to acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder that caused her facial features to become distorted and enlarged. Following her diagnosis, she turned to the sideshow circuit in the early 20th century, showcasing herself as “the ugliest woman in the world.”
Despite her physical challenges, Mary Ann Bevan exhibited incredible resilience, embracing her condition as a source of income for her family. Her story serves as a testament to human adaptability in the face of adversity, challenging conventional beauty standards and highlighting the lengths individuals would go to support their loved ones during difficult times.