Acid attack survivor's empowering 10-year challenge post

Making its mark as the first trend of 2019, the #10yearchallenge has undoubtedly taken the social media world by storm.

But while some people have been using the challenge to laugh at how goofy their younger selves were (or to show how little they’ve aged) one woman has used it to share her incredible story of survival.

In 2008, UK woman Katie Piper suffered horrific burns to her face and neck from an unexpected acid attack, and she’s spent the past decade undergoing a dramatic recovery.

In her photo from 2009, she’s 25-years-old and wears a mask over her face. Her current photo, on the other hand, shows her recovery after ten years of laser treatment.

“Don’t let this challenge create anxiety within you about aging – it’s an absolute privilege,” she wrote alongside hashtags of ‘life is precious’ and ‘human body is amazing.’

The brutal attack – that took place on the streets of London – had been carried out by a man unknown to Piper, however, it was later revealed her boyfriend had planned the whole thing.

Piper was left blind in one eye and in an induced coma for 12 days as doctors tried to save as much skin as possible.

Now, at age 35, she has had over 40 operations to restore her sight and improve the appearance of her scars all the while starting the Katie Piper Foundation, becoming a mum to two children, writing her own book and speaking out for other victims of acid attacks.

Her followers on social media – which have grown significantly throughout her journey – were quick to praise her inspiring words by leaving comments like, “Best 10yr challenge hands down” and “Absolutely stunning and what an inspiration”.

“You are such a brave woman, so admirable! you are the inspiration for many women, I am really proud of how much you have [grown] as a person,” another wrote.

And it’s certainly made us look back on what the ten-year challenge should really be about – which is not necessarily how different we may or may not look, but rather the fact that we actually made it.

As Katie says, life is a privilege we shouldn’t take it for granted.

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