Shauna Rae Lesick, a 26-year-old woman who appears to be the size of an eight-year-old, has opened up about her decision to keep her boyfriend’s identity private. Known for her TLC reality show, I Am Shauna Rae, Shauna Rae has become a public figure, sharing her life as a woman living with pituitary dwarfism.
Her condition is the result of a childhood battle with brain cancer. Although she beat the disease, the treatments affected her pituitary gland, stunting her growth. By the age of 16, Shauna Rae had stopped growing, leaving her with the physical appearance of a child. “It was probably the lowest point in my life,” she told PEOPLE. “I always envisioned being tall. Learning that news felt like a hammer smashing into glass.”
Despite the challenges, Shauna Rae has worked hard to embrace her identity and find happiness. She withdrew from traditional schooling to focus on herself, eventually finding her voice and sharing her story with the world through her reality show.
Recently, Shauna Rae appeared on The Unplanned Podcast, where she discussed her current relationship and the reasons behind her decision to keep her boyfriend’s identity under wraps. “Neither of us cares about his face being public,” she said. “I’m more concerned because he has a great job. I don’t want any negative impacts on his workplace. They know who I am, and they appreciate me.”
She also highlighted the pressures of social media and public scrutiny. “Considering all that social media represents and what I know my boyfriend isn’t, I wish to avoid any labels on him, especially if he isn’t my lifelong partner,” she explained. “As of now, unless we’re marrying or I’m planning a future with him, his face won’t be revealed.”
Shauna Rae’s story is one of resilience and self-acceptance. Despite the obstacles she faces, she continues to live her life with confidence and determination, all while protecting the privacy of those she loves.
