“For we are all perfectly imperfect”
Amy M. Purdy is an American actress, model, world-class snowboarder and 2014 Paralympic Bronze Medalist, co-founder of Adaptive Action Sports, professional motivational speaker, clothing designer, author, and dancer. At age 19, she contracted Neisseria meningitis, a form of bacterial meningitis. The disease affected her circulatory system when the infection led to septic shock; both of her legs had to be amputated below the knee, she lost both kidneys, and her spleen had to be removed. She says of this picture posted on Facebook, and shared by my brother Michael: “Never thought I would be posting a photo of myself nude. The scariest part of the @espnmag shoot for me was not just taking my clothes off but taking all makeup off. They didn’t want any hair done or makeup which wasn’t easy especially after being on dancing with the stars have so done up each week! But looking at these photos I can say, this is me. Imperfections and all and having my parents, grandparents and even little 9-year-old nieces approval were very important to me and I am so grateful they all approve! My reason for doing this shoot is to celebrate the body that has helped to get me through so much. My hopes with doing this shoot are that we can all find appreciation in our bodies strength, imperfections, and beauty. For we are all perfectly imperfect.” Probably the loveliest rationale for a nude picture ever.
