Affectionately known as Mimo, the South African content creator, podcaster, and lifestyle influencer is recognized for her uplifting perspective while navigating life with Lymphedema. Here, she shares her journey with the rare condition, her approach to wellness, and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook
Glamour: Mimo, your story is incredibly inspiring. When you were first diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis at 18, what was going through your mind? How did you find the strength to cope with that news at such a young age?
Mimo: When I was first diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis at 18, I was definitely overwhelmed. At that age, you never expect something like that to happen, so it felt like my world had turned upside down. I remember a lot of uncertainty and fear, but over time, I realized that I had to focus on what I could control—my attitude and how I approached the treatment and recovery process. The strength to cope came from within, but it was also supported by the incredible people around me—family, friends, and medical professionals.
Glamour: Undergoing a liver transplant must have been an intense and emotional experience. Can you share with us what that journey was like for you—both the physical and mental challenges you faced?
Mimo: Undergoing a liver transplant was undoubtedly one of the most intense experiences of my life. Physically, it was a huge adjustment. The surgery itself was something huge, and the recovery process was actually quicker than I thought . Mentally, it was more challenging. There were moments of doubt, anxiety, and even fear of the unknown. But what kept me going was knowing I had no other choice but to push forward, not just for myself, but for the people who were there to support me through it all.
Glamour: Living with lymphadema is something many people may not understand. Can you help us understand how it impacts your daily life and how you’ve learned to adapt over the years?
Mimo: Living with lymphedema has been another journey in itself. It’s something that many people don’t fully understand unless they experience it firsthand. It affects my daily life in ways that might not be immediately visible to others, like swelling in my left leg, discomfort, and sometimes limitations on how long I can be on my feet. Adapting has meant learning how to manage the symptoms, whether through compression garments, regular self-care, or simply accepting that some days will be harder than others. It’s a constant balancing act, but I’ve learned that the key is being patient with myself.
Glamour: Looking back on everything you've gone through, what would you say was the hardest part of your health journey? How did you find the strength to keep going?
Mimo: I’d say the hardest part of my health journey was probably the uncertainty. Every diagnosis, every treatment decision, every setback—it all made me question what was next. What kept me going through it all was a belief that no matter how tough it got, I had the strength to push through. Sometimes, that strength came from an internal drive, and other times, it came from the love and support of the people around me.
Glamour: Your resilience is remarkable. How did you maintain a positive mindset during the most difficult moments of your health journey? Were there specific coping strategies or practices you turned to for support?
Mimo: Maintaining a positive mindset during the toughest moments of my health journey wasn’t always easy, but I found that it was essential for my overall well-being. One of the key coping strategies I turned to was focusing on small, achievable goals each day, rather than getting overwhelmed by the big picture. Whether it was simply getting out of bed or taking one step forward in my recovery, those small wins helped build momentum. Another important part of my coping was using social media to share my health journey with the world.
It became a way for me to connect with others who were going through similar experiences, and it also allowed me to educate people about rare conditions. Sharing my story publicly gave me a sense of purpose, and by being open, I got to help others understand what it’s like to live with a health condition. It also created a space where I felt understood and supported, and I was able to interact with others who could relate to what I was going through.
Glamour: From your experience, what advice would you give to someone who has just received a difficult diagnosis or is about to undergo a major medical procedure?
Mimo: For someone who has just received a difficult diagnosis or is about to undergo a major medical procedure, my advice would be to take it one step at a time. Allow yourself to feel everything you’re feeling, but don’t let those emotions stop you from seeking the support you need. Surround yourself with a strong network, whether it’s family, friends, or support groups. And most importantly, trust in your ability to get through it—there is strength within you that you may not even know exists yet.
Glamour: You've had to navigate both physical and emotional hurdles throughout your health battles. How important do you think mental health is in recovery and how do you prioritize it in your own life?
Mimo: Navigating the healthcare system was definitely a challenge at times, but I learned that being proactive and informed is key. I became my own advocate by asking questions, seeking second opinions when necessary, and making sure I understood my options. It can be overwhelming, but I always reminded myself that it’s okay to take the time to fully understand what’s going on with my care.
Glamour: Through your journey, you've clearly become an advocate for your own health. How did you learn to navigate the healthcare system, and what would you recommend to others trying to advocate for themselves?
Mimo: I’d encourage anyone in a similar situation to not hesitate to ask for clarification, get a second opinion, and trust their instincts. The healthcare system can be complex, but you are your own best advocate.
Glamour: What role did your family and support network play in your recovery? How can friends and loved ones best support someone going through a similar experience?
Mimo: My family and support network played a crucial role in my recovery. They provided both emotional support and practical help when I needed it the most. For loved ones, I think the best way to support someone going through a health journey is to listen without judgment, offer practical help (like running errands or helping with appointments), and let the person know you’re there for them, no matter what. Sometimes just being present is the most meaningful support you can offer.
Glamour: You've shown such strength, but were there moments when you felt particularly vulnerable or afraid? How did you manage those feelings?
Mimo: Yes, there have definitely been moments when I felt incredibly vulnerable and afraid. There were times when the weight of everything, both physically and emotionally, felt overwhelming. Those moments were difficult, but what helped me through them was acknowledging that it was okay to feel afraid—it didn’t mean I wasn’t strong. I managed those feelings by leaning on my support system, whether it was family, friends, or even the online community I’d built through social media. Connecting with people who understood what I was going through, and sharing my fears and challenges openly, made me feel less isolated. I also practiced mindfulness and self-compassion to help calm my mind during those anxious moments.
Glamour: What changes have you had to make in your lifestyle to manage your health conditions, and how have those adjustments impacted your overall quality of life?
Mimo: Managing my health conditions has certainly required lifestyle changes. I had to adapt in a lot of ways, from altering my diet and exercise routine to paying closer attention to my body’s signals. Living with a chronic illness means listening to my body more than I ever did before—recognizing when I need rest or when I can push myself. While these changes were hard at first, they’ve actually improved my quality of life in unexpected ways. They’ve helped me be more in tune with my needs and given me a greater appreciation for the simple things in life, like rest and balance.
Glamour: If there was one piece of advice you would share with your 18-year-old self after receiving your diagnosis, what would it be?
Mimo: It would be, you are stronger than you think. I would remind myself that even though the journey would be hard, I would come out of it with a deeper understanding of myself and a more profound sense of resilience. It’s important to trust the process, and to never lose hope—even on the tough days.
Glamour: How has your perspective on life and health shifted since all of these challenges began? Are there things you now value more than you did before?
Mimo: Since all of these challenges began, my perspective on life and health has shifted significantly. I now place much greater value on my mental and emotional well-being, knowing that they play just as important a role in healing as physical health. I’ve come to appreciate moments of peace and connection with others more than I ever did before. I’ve also learned to be kinder to myself and to recognize my own limits, which was something I never really considered before my health journey.
Glamour: Living with chronic illness can often be isolating. How did you stay connected to others and what role did community play in your healing process?
Mimo: It can indeed be isolating, but I was able to stay connected through my social media platform. I was fortunate to find an online community that understood what I was going through. Having that sense of community was incredibly healing. I learned that it’s okay to ask for help and to lean on others during difficult moments. Having people who could relate to me, even if they were far away, made all the difference in helping me feel less alone.
Glamour: Can you speak about the importance of self-care and how you’ve learned to prioritize it amidst all of your health challenges?
Mimo: Self-care has become essential for me in managing my health. I’ve learned to prioritize my physical and mental health in ways I never had to before. I’ve found that simple practices—whether it’s meditating for a few minutes a day, taking walks, or making sure I get enough sleep—can make a huge difference. And most importantly, I’ve learned to not feel guilty about taking time for myself. It’s crucial to remember that self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary for healing.
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