Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Burn Thriver

Marina is a girl who experienced a personal catastrophe at a still unconscious age, who almost doesn't remember herself looking like an average person, who has undergone over 60 surgeries and had to stay in the hospital several times a year. A girl who daily faces the question from strangers, "What's wrong with your face?" And this girl hasn't locked herself away, cursing her fate and fearing to go outside, quite the opposite! Marina found the strength and courage to become a model, to run a blog where she shares her personal stories about inclusion and diversity, and to help burn survivors around the world. And she thrives beyond the scars, pain, and insults.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2023
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, United States of America
Copyright: © Mari Saxon