They Called Me The Purple People Eater: BORN DIFFERENT

A BRAVE woman has learnt to accept her severe facial birthmark despite years of bullying that ruined her childhood. 39-year-old Kiana Smith, who resides in Cumana, Trinidad, was born with a significant port-wine stain birthmark on the left side of her face. With a dark purple pigmentation, Kiana’s birthmark is also visible on her chest and neck - and it has completely destroyed her left ear. Kiana was subject to many harsh nicknames throughout her school life, including the 'purple people eater’. But now, after five surgeries and specialised laser treatment to reduce her birthmark in size, Kiana is happier than ever and has become a global ambassador for the Vascular Birthmark Foundation.