I'm Not A 'T-Rex' - I Can Do Anything You Can Do | BORN DIFFERENT

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DEBORAH was born with phocomelia - a rare condition which caused her arms to be underdeveloped at birth. When she was born, her mother refused to take her home from the hospital - meaning Deborah was placed in an orphanage for the first four and a half years of her life, until she was finally adopted by an American family. After bringing her home to Washington, Deborah's adoptive family set to work on helping her find ways to be independent: "I had help getting dressed until I learned to do it myself, my sister helped me do my hair." Deborah soon developed her own technique - using her feet as hands, which has allowed her to be fiercely independent ever since: "I use my feet to open doors, reach a mug out of the cupboard, straighten my hair." But it wasn't all smooth sailing for Deborah growing up - she would often "get the comments, get the stares" from other children at school - something she still experiences to this day: "It's constant - sometimes a kid will be like, 'Ew, what's wrong with your arms?'" And Deborah was in and out of hospital as a child too, for surgeries to shave down the bones in her arms as they regularly grew out of her skin - all whilst struggling to come to terms with her birth mother's decision not to raise her: "There's times I really struggled with [the fact that] she just left me there." However, with the support of her adoptive family, Deborah grew in confidence and now has a family of her own - a loving husband, Nathan, and their son, Matthew. In 2021, Matthew introduced his mum to TikTok and Deborah began posting videos showing how she does everyday things, as simple as folding clothes or cooking a meal. Soon, the comments were flooding in - including some that were "weird" - "hundreds of comments like 'You look like a dinosaur' or 'I thought T-Rex's were extinct?'" Deborah decided it was time to hit back, posting a video wearing T-Rex arms on the end of her fingers - a video that very quickly went viral and enabled Deborah to find her voice when addressing common misconceptions: "People say what they want to say and it's up to you how you want to respond... I try to have a positive, funny outlook." And now that Deborah has built up a following online, she is determined to use her platform to ensure young people growing up with similar conditions feel represented: "Maybe one day a kid with a limb difference is going to be scrolling TikTok and be like, 'Oh, she looks like me!' Now we have a platform where we can be like, 'We're here, we're taking up space!'"
Follow Deborah on TikTok: / deborah.look.no.hands
Follow Deborah on Instagram: / deborah_looknohands
Videographer: Jordan Halland
Producers: Kim Nguyen, Tom Buckman, Georgia Embling
Editor: Renee Wong
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[@truly-channel]

If you liked this video, you may also enjoy watching amputee Michelle’s blind date: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5aZd5eQhLt4kJo

[@Missy3105]

Most humans with arms don’t live this fulfilled life, she’s inspiring on so many levels. This shows you do what you have to, in any situation. We adapt or we suffer! You have a beautiful bright smile! Wish this family love & light!!!😃

[@youremybiggestfan]

Shes pretty. Theres more important things than happy endings

[@Fat12219]

How is she going to the bathroom 😮

[@andressoto739]

Title is misleading. Shed have to play piano for me so she can claim that she can do what i do...

[@cherylcarampot3268]

​, mind your own business!

[@theembersinside1420]

​@@Fat12219Ya, its not your business. If u wouldn't ask her that to her face, don't ask it in the comments. 🤷🏻‍♀️ There's a reason u didn't post this as a regular comment & only under another post. Would u want someone asking YOU that? She can obviously do many things by herself, so use your imagination.

[@findpurpose6300]

Her biological mom may have left her but she got even a better mom for the needs she has and she also has a great husband. ❤ I'm glad she has an amazing life now. ❤ Everyone deserves a happy life. ❤🎉

[@wendysnyder6443]

If only her biological Mom could see her now!!! WOW!!! 😮 Just LOOK at what she’s missed out on!!! I LOVE her positive spirit! She radiates energy, love 💕, joy 🤩, & determination! Who wouldn’t want to be around somebody like that?! Kudos to her!!! 👏👏👏👏☺️😌🥰🥳

[@markbennett4202]

She is so cute

[@susannau89]

I didn’t hear her mention where she was adopted from but being from USSR, this was very commonplace to leave ‘defective’ children in hospitals after birth. Sounds like that where she’s from

[@serosh9587]

She's full of life, more than any of us! This is the type of video humanity needs to watch.

[@saiyanacademy9834]

There’s nothing wrong with her , she has all the love and happiness we need

[@toigo-dn7on]

Her having a husband doesn't mean she has love.

[@toigo-dn7on]

Her having a husband doesn't mean she has love.

[@saiyanacademy9834]

What are you implying Mr captain obvious

[@JamilaColeman]

She’s so beautiful and creative! Love her faith and strength

[@pollybish2988]

Such a wonderful loving family!

[@PirateOfTheNorth]

It’s awesome she used humor to fight the online bullies. The T-Rex arms look great.

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Humour*

[@PirateOfTheNorth]

@@dcmastermindfirst9418 depends if you’re using American or British English. In America it’s spelled -or instead of -our. Like color, neighbor, favor, etc. 😉

[@mariag5756]

I’m so glad that she was adopted by that loving couple.❤❤

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

She does remarkably well for a woman with no arms. Power to her!

[@ambarrose]

People like her are inspiring. Not because they are different. Because they chose every day to be the best possible version of themselves. Despite all the challenges, all the mean words, everything. They could just quit. They could spend life being "poor little handicapped me". Instead, they keep going.

[@Latrodectus_vv_]

This is so beautiful and inspiring! She is an awesome person!

[@catapillargirl2021]

What an amazing woman & a terrific family! I wish them so much more happiness & joy! Her birth mother really missed out, but that’s her loss.

[@KaylaPearlCPNinja]

She has such a great mind with figuring out how to adapt to using her feet to do the things that almost everyone takes for granted. People need to recognize that she’s just as capable as everyone else is and that taking things for granted is going to get you nowhere.

[@silentnight3970]

She's a beautiful woman and must've been a beautiful baby, clearly the birth mother thought she couldn't cope and so walked away. Deborah has something that's better than gold, a great husband, son, parents and life. I don't see why people have to say stupid things. All the best.

[@toigo-dn7on]

No.

[@toigo-dn7on]

No.

[@toigo-dn7on]

No.

[@SuperStarWarsFan1138]

So many of these stories I've heard from this channel, and this might be the first I've heard any mention of church-related things. That makes my soul happy. God has bless this woman immensly.

[@stephenhayes4637]

She was very lucky to be adopted by her parents. This is a really nice story.

[@AA-cm3pd]

She's blessed and amazing.

[@EarthsMedicine]

Deborah has good energy & she's super cute. Her husband seems like a really nice guy. She has a lovely family. Thanks for sharing..

[@davidfrey5654]

1. God bless your parents. 2. You are astonishingly capable. 3. You are an amazing Mom and wife. 4. You are inspiring! 5. You are beautiful.

[@rippingjeans7232]

God bless those parents who adopted her ❤

[@lammaking333]

Some people can be very cruel making rude comments to this wonderful woman , they take for granted their own bodies , personally I find her very inspiring and she’s very lovely and seems to have a loving family and a healthy relationship. I love seeing people overcome hardships and making the best of their life.

[@toigo-dn7on]

They are right.

[@flwrfan1752]

Deborah has it more together than some people who were born with both arms.

[@DXCharter21]

What a beautiful story and such a wonderful human being. You're strong because you have to be.

[@user-by1ol9sr6f]

Oh my goodness not only is she STUNNING but she has the best energy!!! Thank you for inspiring all of us!!

[@I_AM_RAWYALTY]

The world is filled with cruelty and hatred some people are so ignorant and misinformed but the world is also filled with beauty. You are beautiful and have embraced the beauty in the world God bless you and your wonderful family 🎉

[@geraldineowens7001]

Fantastic wonderful woman and mother I love the fact that you embraced your life regardless of your sorry to say "disability " my daughter had a similar "disability " and brought up 3 amazing strong thoughtful and empathetic children.....well done to you have a great life

[@joyjosephs3340]

I love this woman. She is so inspiring to see and listen to. I wish this family all the best.

[@laurenschenck5355]

She is absolutely so beautiful inside and out and she is so strong and incredible women I appreciate her sharing her story a warrior so unbelievable women and so proud of her such a sweet personality she has a beautiful family ❤

[@rosemarrypolack5708]

Deborah has a beautiful smile and is a great inspiration to others. ❤ She can inspire people who only have low self-esteem. They can see that life can turn around for the better😊

[@ricecakejohnson]

Not sure how people can be so mean to someone who is so inspiring and strong.

[@josejuanandrade4439]

"I can do anything you can do" Obviously mature me: "Oh yeah? Can you do this? (claps with both hands soundly)"

[@emmyali920]

I LOVE watching Deborah's videos on Tik Tok! She's such a beautiful lady full of great tips and ideas! I appreciate you and your videos so much!! Nice to see this video educating others on your condition. We are ALL different... that's what makes the world a better place. If we were all the same, it would be boring as heck.

[@ujayet]

Nathan is a good dude.

[@f4llenstarr]

What an incredible girl, family and the mum!!! Good people in the world..

[@adriangarcia543]

she beautiful

[@Ahahahhaaah]

So go date her

[@adriangarcia543]

@@Ahahahhaaah I was being nice

[@alexandramoyer8785]

@@adriangarcia543of course you were

[@MunchkinRed9622]

I love her personality!!!!

[@Suhadisgood]

I never thought a person with no arms and hands would get pregnant with a child with arms and hands that’s amazing that your child doesn’t have to be like their parents I’ve seen other videos where they blame the parents to why their child had no feet or no hands cause of their parents not having them

[@megannorris9995]

She is better at things than people with normal arms, inspiring ❤️

[@killherqueen]

normal 💀

[@megannorris9995]

@@killherqueen yeah😂normal arms, these aren’t fkn normal are they realistically you fkn meff haha😂😂😂😂

[@teresawilson3893]

Don’t think so

[@megannorris9995]

@@teresawilson3893 fart.

[@juliesmith1499]

Such a loving family , full of love ,and devotion, I wish them life long happiness . ❤

[@Pedant_Patrol]

That T-rex skit is HILARIOUS!

[@Emily-cw7tj]

Agreed

[@talonmclaren2070]

Your family is very lucky to have you. Thank you for sharing with us all.

[@Olivia-r1k]

What a beautiful story perfect example for everyone to learn god bless you and your family 🙏🙏🙏 you are truly an inspiration

[@andretoivonen9737]

Its great that this video reaches a lot of people so we all can see that you are just a normal human being. We are all born unique and there is nothing wrong with you

[@57Pinky_Promise65]

Thank you for bringing part of your life and sharing it. I see a beautiful human being living a beautiful life with her family. Sending hugs and love. ❤️🤗🌻

[@khaledahmed2051]

she is beautiful in soul and body, god bless her.

[@LectronCircuits]

What a disarming story! Audience wishes her all the best. Cheers!

[@susansnyder11]

You're such a beautiful well-rounded human being. Thank goodness you got so blessed with the best parents to nurture you when you needed it and pushed and encouraged you too when you needed it. ❤ You are truly blessed.

[@maka8936]

Wow, es inspirador e increíble la historia de esta mujer ❤

[@Trysaratop]

The t Rex hands in the beginning made me laugh so much. She has a great sense of humor

[@wrayjordan7188]

She is an inspiration. Best wishes for a long and happy life ❤

[@loiseilers5058]

What a beautiful, sweet lady. You go girl!

[@brandip77]

You’re amazing. What a positive attitude. I hope those who leave snarky comments will learn that it’s okay to be a little different.

[@lisab.1559]

You are so gorgeous! You look so much like my sister who passed away in a plane accident. My sister didn’t have a limb difference but used to fear getting old as she loved being so pretty. She would tell me, I am going to die early and I will never be old. I used to shrug it off but she ended up being right. At 32 she was gone. Everyone has differences. I wish my sister could have met all my kids, my 2 biological kids and my younger 5 who are adopted with differences too. Thank you for this video

[@Starfishes]

I see her on tiktok live all the time cooking dinner ❤ she’s amazing

[@ohhshiitakekittys888]

You are an inspiration to so many, and don’t worry about what others think or name call you don’t worry about it that’s their weakness as they don’t like themselves. God bless you

[@willliamdavis3218]

Wow don’t never give up. U stay strong and keep your head up.

[@1lexina]

She has great energy ❤

[@aurorarockman9389]

It’s so cool how she and her mom have almost identical voices even though they’re not genetically related!

[@Lilporkiana]

She is SO inspiring and has such a nice warm vibe 🥹🩷

[@tristanagungnugroho7005]

What a beautiful life and beautiful human being

[@dfoltz268]

It like the world just let her birth mom know that she wasn’t good enough for this sweet girl and found her parents that would appreciate her. Glad she’s prospering and life is good for her ❤

[@DOCTRJ]

Bless you 💯♥️🤠

[@jimwatson4513]

GOD BLESS , HER LIFE , TO BE HAPPY & FULL !!! ✝️✝️👍👍❤❤❤

[@frankpeel9882]

"can do anything that I can do".......... Okay.. clap

[@ahrenb3393]

Grow the hell up

[@HeroInTheSun]

Glad all went well ❤

[@steveoh9285]

Deborah is a beautiful and joyful person, we all can learn from her example.

[@brucesmith9206]

You go girl. Your outlook on life is great.

[@On_We_Go]

I was born different and had many operations to create a functioning righthand. Just wanted to say, Deborah is amazing. There you go.

[@alejandracruz7868]

People with disabilities makes them feel special because they have unique personalities, and this woman has a unique personality and she's a special person ❤❤

[@carolina_girl3484]

No she's not a "t-rex". She's a beautiful girl who was born with underdeveloped arms. Her adoptive mom loves her and she is thriving. God Bless her.

[@bonnibling]

You're simply awesome...and so is your husband and mom. I hope the admiration and respect that you receive from people like me helps in overriding the despicable comments and reactions you mention that you receive; those people (?) are insignificant and irrelevant. Wishing you many happy and healthy years ahead.

[@scottscott232]

She's beautiful. there's a lot to learn from this lady, about resilience, strength and creativity. Super smart.

[@lisacolledge7624]

Deborah, you're a bloody beautiful beast! I think you're incredible and inspiring and fabulous, as are your husband and son and parents. What a team! I wish you all every possible happiness. ❤

[@ninthplanet3040]

She's absolutely adorable!

[@kwintos88]

Online bullies are nasty lowlife... But i'm glad you have some good sense of humor. 💪

[@marilynroberts6644]

What a beautiful young lady and a wonderful family 💜. Her smile must light up wherever she is !

[@irishgirl1753]

Yes agree 👍

[@bigthunder7002]

She has a beautiful spirit. I hope the best for her

[@Momof5grannytomany]

You are an amazingly wonderful woman who has faced life the way you knew how the haters will be haters but your are amazing and beautiful just the way God made you.

[@LynnVanDoorselaere]

I feel so bad for her - but she seems to get along so well- amazing

[@FunkyPhantom-y4l]

You go girl! Keep being an inspiration to me and the world.

[@Nagatutorvlogs]

Beautiful woman..I'm very thankful ur adopted mom ❤

[@NancyCronk]

Such a beautiful family! Wishing you all the best! Does anyone else think she looks like her adoptive mom?

[@Stefaniekristine]

Such a beautiful family ❤

[@honkeykong9563]

Somebody really needs to add the T-Rex Roar from Jurassic Park at 0:03

[@davechavezjr5399]

A truly inspiring person living a full life! All the lowlifes who poke fun at beautiful souls like her should be ashamed of themselves.

[@OMA407]

Lovely parents brave parents.. Lovely family brave family.. Wow.. Super Cool!!

[@michaeledwards8609]

Thank you Truly for a solid story!!

[@rolandmueller7218]

I knew a guy who‘s sister had a similar condition. She had only single finger at each shoulder. She was a beautiful and a very nice lady. She was very independent I‘m pretty sure she is doing well today.

[@padmathalamarla8246]

Great adopted parents nd a loving husband nd child...lucky she is.

[@tylermallory2504]

she's absolutely delightful, what a wonderful young woman!

[@biddy745]

I’ve always loved this gal on TikTok she’s very inspirational ❤. Her smile lights up a room

[@Realitytv91]

I'm here from here tiktok live! She had up to 12,000 people watching. I love her! I wish she had a show!!! Someone needs to be following her life like now, ASAP!

[@jockcooper8888]

a beautiful person with incredible parents

[@thestoneworks]

God Bless, amazingly adorable family

[@mathabomakoti6931]

Beautiful soul Talk about a strong woman 😢❤

[@michaelknight5090]

Her birth mother is a coward. She's beautiful inside and out. When i was a teacher aid in highschool i love the handicap kids. They were very smart and they were fun to be around. They were always happy. You're a blessing, Great husband, great kid so enjoy life.❤️👍👍👍

[@EvelynKnuth]

Much respect! Your life is full...be blessed

[@wissenschaftenundpraxishan1952]

Fantastic how she reacts on rude comments! Just takes them with humour!

[@LuLu_777]

Beautiful. God bless you and your family.❤️