Sara Milliken, who was crowned Miss National American Alabama, has revealed she developed Bell’s Palsy due to stress from online abuses targeted at her due to her weight.
Milliken, 23, shared that the intense scrutiny and negative comments about her appearance led to severe anxiety and reluctance to go out in public. “With my story blowing up, I felt immense stress and anxiety. I didn’t want to walk into a store or pump my gas because it felt like everyone was talking about me,” she wrote.
Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy include temporary paralysis on one side of the face and difficulty making facial expressions, with stress cited as a possible trigger. Milliken’s condition has added to her mental health struggles, impacting her ability to smile, which she considers a key part of her identity
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Despite the setback, Milliken remains optimistic, stating that the condition is temporary and can last from two weeks to six months. “I’m hopeful that with medication and rest, I will recover soon. Keep praying for me as I would love to have my smile back!
Milliken’s win over Memorial Day weekend attracted both national attention and online vitriol, with trolls attacking her weight. This marks the first time a plus-size contestant won the pageant, which focuses on personality, confidence, and communication.
Undeterred by the criticism, Milliken is preparing for the national final in Florida over Thanksgiving. She continues to advocate for body positivity and works as a cosmetologist and make-up artist. Milliken also co-hosts a podcast, “Girls Gotta Glow.”
“Despite the harsh criticism, I’m determined to move forward and prove that no matter your body type, you can achieve your dreams,” Milliken said.
