My Giant Facial Tumour Won’t Stop Me Dancing | BORN DIFFERENT

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Published 2024-05-18
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TIKTOK dance sensation Aleazia is a local celebrity in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky - but his journey to this point has been challenging from day one. He was born with a super rare condition called cystic hygroma, which caused large fluid-filled cysts to form on his face. Doctors performed "life-saving surgery" on Aleazia as a newborn baby, as the cysts were blocking his airway, preventing him from breathing. Since then, he has lived with a trach, which acts as "another airway for safety reasons" - something that has proven crucial to Aleazia, as he suffers from regular swelling of his neck and face. The swelling occurs "every two months" on average and causes Aleazia such "agony" that he has to stay in hospital for pain treatment. Growing up, Aleazia's condition meant he faced severe bullying - with other children in the neighbourhood calling him "Mr Potato Head" and "Quagmire." His parents were his rocks through it all and gave him the confidence to ignore the name-calling, but when they passed away in 2019 and 2020 respectively, Aleazia remembers feeling "alone." Despite everything he has been through, as well as continued abuse online, Aleazia has been supported by friends and family and found escapism in his love of dance. For the past 11 years, he has been performing to passers-by on the Big Four Bridge in Louisville and made a name for himself locally and on TikTok. But Aleazia does not do it for the fame and fortune - as he told truly: "When I'm dancing I forget all my troubles - I can be myself, I feel free."

Follow Aleazia:
www.tiktok.com/@aleazia_world
www.instagram.com/the_real_aleazia

Videographer: Nate Spicer
Producers: Kim Nguyen, Tom Buckman, Courtney Buabeng
Editor: Alex Saunders

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All Comments (21)
  • @achante2002
    That’s my best friend. And I am SO proud of him. I am so honored to be apart of his life. Thank you, Aleazia for taking me on this journey with you. Many more years of friendship to come. P.s. don’t mind the waddle , I’m pregooo ☺️
  • @vibedeity2980
    Grew up with bro in the homeless shelter back in 2015 and let me tell ya he was ALWAYS that hyper ecstatic dancer—always happy and always confident, this man could never be stopped and I’m proud to see how far he’s come today
  • @MirueYT
    This made me emotional 🥹🥹 i had the pleasure of going to college with him for a semester and when i tell yall he is an amazing soul, he lit up every room he walked into. One of the many people I’ll never forget 💗
  • @ToshaParker
    I met him years ago while working in the office of the apartment complex he lived in. He’d come visit me everyday and I looked forward to it every time!! I love you Aleazia and I’m so happy you’re happy and doing well!! Keep going baby!! ❤
  • @TuscanWonder
    I wanna cry because through all his adversity, the meanness of the world, and the loss of his parents, he still has hope and life in him! May he be blessed in all his heart’s desires!❤
  • @matt17dodge
    As a pro wrestler he was always one of the coolest fans to come to a show. One show I remember picking him up and carrying him around the ring just for fun. Made the other kids jealous. Glad you're still being you. Hopefully catch you at the bridge one day
  • I love the positivity this young man expresses. I wish him the very best of everything. Thank you for sharing your story. 😊
  • @CainsTunes
    You are a beautiful human. We need more of you in this world. Spreading love and kindness. ❤
  • @17thVisions
    I see him walking around all the time it’s good to learn his story and I wish you the best young man and God bless you sincerely
  • @Flycatcher31415
    I KNOW THIS GUY! I LOVE watching him dance when I cross into Jeffersonville. He got them MOVES! 🕺
  • @Ghost19XX2.0
    This is my little cousin!! I’m so proud of you and no matter what keep on smiling, that’s the light this world is missing. Keep being unique and keep being you and YES give us more dance videos 🕺🪩
  • Hey if you need anyone to talk to I'm here my mother died last month and my father passed away when I was 7 years old so I feel your pain just keep your head up and don't let anyone ruin your day ok . Keep doing you and keep shining like the bright star you are ❤
  • Aleazia is awesome. We both frequent the same bar and I’ve had the chance to talk to him about dance, as a dancer myself. Incredibly kind and talented person.
  • @dtphenomenal
    Don’t let the negative comments get to you. People are miserable and say bad things to make themselves feel better. Take over the world bro you got skills
  • @mpras684
    You are an inspiration. I am in awe of your resilience and beauty. You’re a true example!
  • He looks like a sweetie we'd be good friends. Don't let anybody, make you feel bad about yourself because, of your condition you're one of God's beautiful creations.
  • Aleazia it's me Rikki on here . I am so sorry you have to deal with the mean people in this world. Just keep in mind they talk about us all and most of the bullies bully people because that's how they feel for themselves... I'm glad I got to learn more about you and I will be supporting you in any and every way that I can... You inspire me and motivate me to do big/great things. I love you .......I love this and I love what you are doing keep it up. It's a Bird it's a plane that's just aleazia......... So let's fly to the stars I know you parents are looking down at you smiling..
  • @sheldonk5747
    I really love that she is his rock. People are just horrible. Animals are accepting. 🐕❤
  • I'm always surprised how people with visible physical disabilities can be so confident and put themselves out there continuously despite the bullying. I wish i had that kind of confidence. For me, bullying when i was younger really sort of wrecked mine. Also he's way too young to have to on top of everything, also deal with the loss of his parents. Stay strong bro, you're awesome.