circa 1996​

 

KHAILA was born with a rare condition called Sacral Agenesis, now known as Caudal Regression Syndrome. This condition happens once in every 60,000 live births, and it is when the lower spine is abnormal; however, in her case, the coccyx (tailbone) is completely missing which has left her with a heart-shaped indentation on her back.

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Born at 3-4 pounds, doctors didn’t think she was going to live. After miraculously pulling through, they said that she would never be independent, and that her family would just have to “take her home and love her.” 

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KHAILA didn’t start walking on her own until she was around 2-3 years old, and even then, she had to wear braces on her legs because they weren’t strong enough without the bottom portion of her spine.

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In kindergarten, KHAILA had her first of many major surgeries and hospital stays. After the surgery, she was still in the braces, used a walker, and underwent MANY years of aggressive physical therapy and medical experiments. 

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Around 2009, in middle school, she was finally able to get rid of the braces, and in high school, she was finally OUT OF THE WOODS and FULLY FUNCTIONAL.

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Still a medical mystery, KHAILA continues to baffle doctors on how she's 95% functional, living on her own, and have earned both her Bachelor's (English, B.A.) and Master's degrees (Master of Public Health).

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Albeit, success does not come without obstacles.​

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Childhood was also difficult in the sense that there were many things she couldn't do due to physical limitations. This is ultimately how KHAILA became immersed in the world of performing arts. Throughout her early years, KHAILA was a part of multiple plays, musicals, concerts, and fashion shows. If there was a stage, KHAILA was on it.

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During the pandemic, KHAILA found solace in makeup and beauty, which is how she also learned to express herself. It became one of her most cherished hobbies because not only did she enjoy it, she's good at it. As she posted her makeup looks on instagram, she began receiving modeling opportunities, which proved to be way outside of her comfort zone, but she did it anyway -- and ENJOYED IT. After her modeling career took off, she began meeting with industry professionals and soon immersed herself into the world of music.

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Throughout this journey is when she discovered her "why": to share her experiences in a relatable way so that people who may be confused or scared know that they’re not alone. She also focuses on self-care and self-love, as her battles with mental health have taken a huge toll on her self-esteem. 

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KHAILA shares her story because she wants the world to see "unique" bodies, and recognize imperfections as beauty. She is also on a mission to influence others to love their body and own their story. Though everyday is an uphill battle with both her physical and mental struggles, she continues to thank God for giving it to her because He knew she could handle it.​​​

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💗