Abandoned at Birth for Her Appearance, She Defied the Odds to Become a Vogue Model

Albinism is a rare, inherited condition that lasts a lifetime and impacts individuals of all races and ethnicities around the globe. The condition arises due to a reduction in the production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism typically have light or almost colorless traits, which can make them easily noticeable in their surroundings. Sadly, this distinctive condition often results in social stigma, discrimination, and even violence, especially in developing nations where myths and misunderstandings continue to thrive.
This is the tale of Xueli Abbing, a girl born with albinism in China who overcame challenges and turned her life into a remarkable journey of strength, compassion, and activism.
Sixteen years ago, a baby girl with porcelain skin came into the world in China. Though her birth was meant to be a joyous occasion, it was instead greeted with rejection. Her parents, noticing her pale complexion—a sharp difference from their own—decided against bringing her home.
Within just a few days, the infant was left at an orphanage. The caregivers, filled with both sorrow and kindness, chose the name “Xueli,” which translates to “snow white and beautiful.” The name recognized her captivating beauty and hinted at the promise of what lay ahead.