In a world where social media filters mask every flaw and beauty is measured in likes, Karine de Souza is a radiant exception. Born with a rare and incurable condition that makes even indirect sunlight dangerous, Karine has lived her entire life behind barriers—sunscreen, walls, judgment. But love? That broke through everything.
The 33-year-old Brazilian woman was diagnosed at age three with Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a one-in-a-million condition that prevents her skin from repairing damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Even a few minutes exposed to sunlight can trigger excruciating burns, lesions, and eventually, cancer.
Karine has undergone 130 surgeries—one hundred and thirty—to remove sun-induced skin lesions. She’s lost part of her nose, her lower lip, and endured unimaginable physical pain. Yet, the emotional toll may have cut even deeper. Mocked in the street, insulted online, and called things like “monster,” “deformed,” and “zombie,” Karine’s very existence has been under attack from strangers.
But her spirit? Unshaken.
“My condition doesn’t define my ability to be loved,” Karine says. And in 2020, she proved it.
Through social media, Karine met Edmilson—her now-husband and the man who saw not a diagnosis, but a soul. Drawn to her strength, resilience, and positivity, he didn’t flinch at her scars. He embraced her story… and her children.
Yes—Karine is also a mother of three. When Edmilson entered her life, he didn’t just fall in love with her. He opened his heart to her entire world.
“He came and showed me that I could live a true love story,” she said.
Their relationship blossomed despite the noise—the skepticism, the bullying, the speculation. When Karine shared photos of them online, the trolls emerged instantly. Many accused Edmilson of being after her money, suggesting she was a “sugar mommy.” Others claimed their relationship had to be fake because of how he looked: “young” and “handsome.” As if love needed symmetry.
But Karine knew better. “They didn’t believe he was with me because he really liked me,” she explained. “But love doesn’t depend on appearance. It depends on the heart.”
Their love was captured beautifully in engagement photos taken by photographer Daniel Panisson, who later shared the images with a message that went viral.
“In a world where appearance matters more than feeling,” he wrote, “they met not by chance, but by a gathering of souls… You are the missing hope in so many people. Thank you for teaching me so much.”
The photos spread across the internet—an antidote to the poison of cynicism. Thousands shared and commented, turning hate into hope.
Karine, ever the optimist, had one message for the world: “Be happy, smile, because life happens only once.”
And her smile only grew wider in 2023, when she and Edmilson welcomed their first child together—a beautiful baby girl named Zaia. After trying for a baby since 2020, their daughter’s arrival felt like destiny fulfilled.
Their story isn’t just about overcoming disease or online cruelty. It’s about redefining what beauty, love, and family truly mean. It’s about the courage to exist boldly, even when the world tells you to hide.
And for Karine, the lesson is clear: “Don’t let society tell you what you’re worth. You define that. And no matter what, you are worthy of love.”
