Embracing Uniqueness: The Inspiring Story of the Manurung Family
A Family Unlike Any Other
Growing up, we were taught not to judge others based on their physical appearance. Unfortunately, some people still make assumptions about others based on their looks. The Manurung family from Indonesia stands out in their village, as four out of six siblings, along with their father, suffer from a mysterious facial condition. Their faces look exactly the same and changed over time.
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The Search for Answers
The family gained fame on TikTok, but they had not visited a doctor to determine the cause of their condition. Even after gaining attention, no one was able to detect the exact reason for their drastic facial changes. The siblings, Sri, Mairani, Tiur, and Surya, appeared on the YouTube channel Truly, discussing their condition and its impact on their lives. They believe genetics is the cause.
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“I always used to think about it; Why am I so different from my sisters and brother? But when I got older, I realized it must be genetics from our parents.” – Tiur
Possible Explanations
Doctors have not provided a diagnosis for the family, but there are a few possible explanations. One theory is that they might suffer from Parry-Romberg Syndrome, which causes facial tissue to gradually waste away. Another possibility is Treacher Collins, a genetic disorder resulting in craniofacial malformation. A third potential explanation is Barber Say Syndrome, causing malformations in a newborn’s body.
Acceptance and Support from Their Community
The Manurung siblings are well-accepted in their village, but they often receive stares when they venture out of town.
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“The fact is our faces changed, but we accept it and just live with it. We are thankful for it; it’s a gift from God.” – Surya
Using Social Media to Spread a Positive Message
The family decided to use their unique appearance to spread a message of self-acceptance and love. They started posting videos on TikTok, where they now have over 2.9 million followers. They share videos of themselves dancing and showing the world how they live, using the platform as a way to earn a living.
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“We went viral on TikTok. Since then, people thought we did it for pity, but that’s not true. We’ve used this as an opportunity to earn a living to raise our living standards.” – Mardiah Manurung
Inspiring Others to Embrace Their Uniqueness
Surya has since married a beautiful woman named Shasa Puspita Dew, and the Manurung family continues to inspire others, proving that appearance is not everything.
