One day all orphanages around the world will be closed because every child will have a loving family. However, as long as we live in a harsh reality, only life stories like that of 16-year-old Xueli can lift our spirits. She was born in the wrong place at the wrong time as a Chinese girl with albinism. But life provided her with an opportunity to succeed, and she took advantage of it.

The girl went on to become a model, even appearing on the cover of Italian Vogue. But, more importantly, she made good use of her work and popularity. Sueli is disclosing more information about her hereditary disease. She dispels misunderstandings and stereotypes about albinism, of which she was a victim as a child.

Wrong place, wrong time

The snow-white beauty was born amid China’s one-child policy. Because of this legislation, families shunned even baby females, preferring boys. In the Middle Kingdom, albinism was considered a curse.

Apparently, it was due to such harsh circumstances that her parents decided to abandon Xueli at the orphanage when she was still very little. Because her parents did not leave any information, the girl does not even know her exact date of birth.

An orphanage worker named the baby, turning albinism’s affliction into a blessing. Xue means snow, and Lee means lovely. A family from the Netherlands adopted the daughter when she was three years old.

How a Chinese girl with albinism rose to prominence as a Vogue model

One day, a designer friend of Xueli’s mother decided to create a collection based on the notion of “perfect flaws.” She had a son with a broken lip, and she wanted to demonstrate how lovely children with various defects might be. She also invited her friend’s blond daughter to participate in the program. At the time, the girl was only 11 years old.

Following that, photographer Brock Elbank noticed her and invited her to participate in a photo shoot. Sueli rose to prominence after one of his photographs was published in “Vogue” magazine. A modeling agency contacted the youngster and her parents, and her career began to take off.

How Xueli is making the world a better place

Albinism, like many other hereditary illnesses, is no longer as odd thanks to the Internet. However, few people are aware of the difficulties that people with albinism face. They frequently have weak eyesight, can’t gaze at bright lights, and can’t tan their skin since the lack of pigment makes it extremely sensitive.

There are moral issues in addition to physiological ones. Albinos, for example, are persecuted in several African countries for their limbs and bones to be used in allegedly mystical rites. Xueli wishes to educate the public about the lifestyles and issues confronting persons with albinism.

The girl also opposes the fashion industry’s abuse of albinos’ angelic image. There is more interest in white attractive men and women than ever before. They are, however, frequently discriminated against and “locked away” in monotonous sensitive and vulnerable roles. Xueli does her best to deal with this issue as well.

Nothing is impossible for the Chinese woman with albinism, who is only 16 years old. Despite the fact that her original parents had rejected her, she was extremely fortunate to find a new family. But Xueli resolved not to take it for granted and now seeks to help everyone who is in a similar circumstance to her. A young girl who is already brave is deserving of admiration.