How a gorgeous amputee blogger is challenging the way we see beauty

Looking for some #MondayMotivation? Good, because this story of defeating cancer and breaking down stigmas around bodies that aren’t “normal” is going to pump you up! In fact, this story will make your heart sing any day of the week.

Meet Mama Cax, a 27-year-old beauty blogger and world traveler born in New York, and raised between Montreal and Haiti.

When ur approaching that time of the month and the tatas become glorious #mamacax #wrapdress #france #wandering __________________________________________

A photo posted by Mama Cāx (@mamacaxx) on Nov 22, 2016 at 5:09am PST

She has seriously amazing style, which is displayed on her blog and Instagram. Each look she uploads is something we long to have hanging in our closet. Like, a blush pink suit? Where do we find this piece of heaven?

Today I recruited an Instagram husband 😂, gave him a crash course on lighting, angle and finding the perfect background for pictures. I have to say he did pretty well for his first day 😂😂 can’t wait to share some style posts on the blog – MamaCax.com Sunnies : @shopbando #mamacax #france #cotedazur ________________________________________

A photo posted by Mama Cāx (@mamacaxx) on Nov 20, 2016 at 9:12am PST

And her handbag collection is so on point:

2 New blog posts (long overdue) link in bio • 1. Exploring Cuba in a week 2. 6 items to bring on your next trip to Cuba “…When I lived in Haiti, I knew of a guy named Miguel. To this day I’m still not sure what his occupation was but Miguel was dark skinned, lean and slightly hunchbacked. He was always in our backyard recounting tales of his Cuban grandfather. Surprisingly enough, he wasn’t alone, if I had a dollar every time a Haitian told me they have a Cuban relative, I’d be Oprah’s next door neighbor. Needless to say, this desire Haitians had for a Cuban tie left me puzzled and dreaming of one day visiting….” #cuba #habana #alleleswomen #wanderlust #mamacax _______________________________________

A photo posted by Mama Cāx (@mamacaxx) on Nov 17, 2016 at 7:09am PST

But Cax isn’t your average fashion and beauty blogger.

At 14, she received a devastating diagnosis: bone and lung cancer had infiltrated her body. Doctors gave her three weeks to live. But Cax fought, she persevered, and beat the odds. Cax survived. But her right leg had to be amputated.

Now, she wears a prosthetic and walks with forearm crutches. And, as you probably guessed, she does it with the utmost of confidence, her impeccable style shining through her artificial limb in all kinds of powerful ways.

When you pretend you don’t see the cameras. #mamacax #nyfw #tbt #alleleswomen __________

A photo posted by Mama Cāx (@mamacaxx) on Oct 20, 2016 at 7:39am PDT

But it’s not all praise and beautiful photography. On her blog, Cax talks about her real-life struggles overcoming the stigmas:

“I’ve made it my personal mission to infiltrate the ‘beauty industry’,” she writes. “Walking down the street with crutches and a prosthetic leg, people often shout ‘you go girl! you’re still beautiful’ STILL?…. I AM beautiful and I’m here to show you how beautiful I am inside and out.”

My account was compromised in the past 24h so I’ve gone private until I resolve the issue. I’m now based in Nice, France and can’t wait to share some of my journey with you all. (Pic taken in NYC) __________________________________

A photo posted by Mama Cāx (@mamacaxx) on Oct 5, 2016 at 4:14pm PDT

Awesome fashion sense and beautifully curated Instagram account aside, it’s the conversation that Cax is starting that’s truly valuable. This young woman is challenging beauty standards and, in doing so, inspiring women with prosthetics from around the globe (she’s dubbed these women “bionic divas”), to love their bodies.

My born day is in a couple of hours (at least in France)-The question that keeps on coming up “what do you want for your birthday?”- absolutely nothing! . Today I spend most of the day cleaning my room and getting organized which makes me feel so darn great. Would have wanted to be close to friends and family but I think I’ve found a group of people in France who have helped me create a second home.- This year was a good one; rang the new year in Ivory Coast drowning in attiéké, walked through the colorful street of Puerto Rico with some of my best friends, soaked in the beautiful warm lagoon in Iceland, Saw the sunset in Cuba and visited the township of the great Madiba. For my 27 yr on Earth, Hope I always have the courage and motivation to keep chasing my dreams. I Hope I get less phantom pain, hope I age gracefully, eat less meat, exercise more and be less of a procrastinator. That is all! 📸: @lifeinreverie #mamacax #27 __________________________________________

A photo posted by Mama Cāx (@mamacaxx) on Nov 19, 2016 at 9:39am PST

She’s is doing a whole lot of travelling, too, having ticked off over 20 countries from her list. We’re just going to put this out there: Cax, we think you’d love Canada. Just don’t forget to pack your parka.