Bay Area Women Honor Texas Anti-bullying Advocate

FRIENDSWOOD, TX — A woman who was ridiculed and labeled in an online forum as ugly, was honored in Friendswood for her efforts to combat cyberbullying.

Lizzie Velasquez, who for several years has shared the pain of being labeled “the ugliest woman in the world,” received the Impact Award at the Bay Area Women’s Conference on Oct. 14.

Watch: Bay Area Women Honor Texas Anti-bullying Advocate

Velasquez, who suffers from a rare genetic disease known as neonatal progeroid syndrome, embarked on an anti-bullying crusade in her late teens after coming across an online video called “the ugliest woman in the world,” that was about her.

The video, though cruel, spurred Velasquez to a life of faith, and made her an advocate against cyberbullying.

In 2015, Velasquez’s story was the subject of a documentary “A Brave Heart,” which was about her life.

Velasquez, who is now a motivational speaker, is also the author of of several books, including "Dare to Be Kind: How Extraordinary Compassion Can Transform Our World," "Be Beautiful, Be You," and "Choosing Happiness.”.

Image: Lizzie Velasquez arrives at WE Day California at the Forum on Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Inglewood, Calif. (Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP)

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