With the help of her grandmother, Maddie Meyer picks a shade of concealer that best matches her complexion after school in her hometown of Perryville, Missouri. She has bags of makeup at home, but is always trying out new products and perfume.
When asked about a Kindergarten photo Maddie said she didn’t have straight hair and her eye would always fall out. Kids were cruel to her and didn’t understand her pain. At the age of 5 she suffered from a body wide infection and each year was removed from school during flu season.
As her mom, Shannon Meyer, stands in the doorway Maddie sings “Dreaming of You” by Selena. Her favorite bands are One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer. “They’re the reason that I got through the 8th grade,” Maddie said.
Maddie raises her hand for assistance during history class. Though she often has the correct answer she does not speak up in class because she is shy.
Madalyn looks uncomfortable as a school bully passes by. She sits with a childhood friend Katie Schumer. Maddie has been bullied since she was a little girl, which makes it difficult for her to be confident.
Due to her facial structure straws are difficult to use for ice cream. Maddie goes out with her mother and grandmother for ice cream about once a week.
Due to her facial structure straws are difficult to use for ice cream. Maddie goes out with her mother and grandmother for ice cream about once a week.
Maddie puts on makeup before leaving the house. “I usually get compliments on how pretty I look when I have makeup on. Without make up I don’t get many compliments.”
“I want to eat normally, I want to talk normally, I don’t want to sound nasally when I sing, I want my old voice back. I don’t want to worry about people staring at me because I look normal.” Maddie will soon find out her options for facial reconstruction surgery.