From the moment she was born, Mui Thomas faced heartbreaking odds. Abandoned by her biological mother because of a rare genetic condition that gave her skin a reddish hue, she entered the world under a cloud of doubt. Doctors didn’t expect her to live past infancy. But as fate would have it, two incredible people saw not just her condition—but her strength, her light, and her potential.

Abandoned at Birth—but Not for Long

Mui was born in China with a severe condition called Harlequin ichthyosis, which causes thick, cracked skin and high vulnerability to infections. Because of her appearance, her birth parents chose not to raise her. Alone and fragile, she entered the foster system—until Tina and Rog Thomas came into her life in 1994.

At the time, medical professionals made no promises. The prognosis was grim. “She won’t live beyond a few months,” they said. But Tina and Rog didn’t walk away. They decided to open their hearts to a child the world had already given up on. And that one choice changed three lives forever.

Video: The Girl Behind The Face | Rog Thomas, Tina Thomas & Mui Thomas

“It Was Supposed to Be Just the Weekend”

Tina and Rog became foster parents to Mui when she was just a toddler. Doctors kept reminding them not to get too attached. But when Mui walked into the room for the first time, Tina saw something unforgettable: “She had this spark,” she recalled. “I could tell she wanted to have fun—she had a zest for life.”

Rog jokingly calls it “the longest weekend ever,” referencing how what was supposed to be a short fostering experience turned into a permanent family bond. At age three, Mui was officially adopted, and the Thomases never looked back.

Fighting Through Pain and Prejudice

Living with Harlequin ichthyosis isn’t just physically painful—it can be emotionally devastating, especially in a world where people aren’t always kind to those who look different. For Mui, the challenges went far beyond managing her condition. From cruel classmates to judgmental strangers, she faced a level of social rejection most people could never imagine.

In school, she was mocked mercilessly. Some even told her she shouldn’t have been born. Her skin made her a target. She was bullied and ostracized not just by peers, but even by adults—like the bus driver who refused to let her ride. Some schools didn’t want to accept her at all. Even in her own neighborhood, doors were closed.

Despite it all, Mui pressed forward. She didn’t let hate shrink her heart. She refused to let judgment define her.

Choosing a Different Path to Parenthood

Tina and Rog had originally thought about having biological children. But when they met Mui, that dream evolved. “Life rarely goes to plan,” Tina said. “But sometimes, the plan changes for the better.”

In fact, on August 12, 1994, Tina wrote in her diary: “Mui will be our little kid to take care of.” Those words, penned with love and hope, became prophetic. They didn’t just adopt Mui—they embraced her entire world and chose to give her a new one.

Rising Above the Noise—And Finding Her Voice

Through every painful comment and every side-eye from a stranger, Mui grew stronger. While the emotional toll of being “different” weighed heavily on her, she never gave up. She focused on finding joy, strength, and connection in places that welcomed her.

That breakthrough came with rugby. Introduced to the sport by her dad, Mui fell in love with the game. For the first time, she found a community that didn’t judge her appearance, but celebrated her determination. Rugby became more than a game—it became her stage to show the world who she really was.

The Girl Behind the Face—Changing Lives Worldwide

Video: Meet Mui Thomas, the girl behind the face

Today, Mui is more than just a survivor. She’s an advocate, a role model, and a beacon of hope for others with visible differences. She and her parents created a platform called The Girl Behind the Face, where they share her journey and uplift others who might be struggling with acceptance.

Through this initiative, Mui has touched the lives of thousands around the globe. Many people with similar conditions have written to thank her for her bravery, openness, and courage.

Her mission is simple: To prove that no one should be defined by how they look—and that every life has value, even when the world says otherwise.

Defying the Odds at Every Turn

Mui is now 30 years old—far beyond what doctors ever expected. She lives every day with gratitude, knowing she’s defied not only medical predictions but also society’s judgment. Her journey isn’t easy, but it’s inspiring.

She openly credits her parents for giving her the emotional armor she needed to face the world. Their love, she says, was the turning point in her life. And as for Tina and Rog? They say the real blessing was getting to watch Mui blossom into the strong, compassionate woman she is today.

A Legacy of Love, Strength, and Hope

Mui’s story isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving. It’s about challenging assumptions, embracing love, and rewriting the narrative people tried to impose on her. Her life proves that strength isn’t the absence of pain—it’s the decision to keep moving forward despite it.

In a world that often focuses too much on appearances, Mui stands tall as a reminder of what really matters: character, courage, and heart.

She may have been born with different skin, but it’s what’s beneath it—the unbreakable spirit—that truly defines her.