The story of Xueli Abbing is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, a powerful testament to the fact that beauty, value, and purpose are not dictated by the circumstances of one’s birth. Born in China with albinism, Xueli was abandoned as an infant at the doorstep of an orphanage. Her parents left her behind, believing that her appearance was too “different” to fit in with society.
Her life could easily have taken a tragic path. Children with albinism frequently face stigma, discrimination, and even violence in certain cultures, where myths portray them as cursed or endowed with mystical powers. In some regions, children with albinism are hunted for their body parts, believed to have magical or healing properties. For Xueli, simply surviving was a miraculous act. “I’m lucky I was only abandoned,” she later reflected.
At the orphanage, staff named her Xueli—a name chosen with care. In Chinese, Xue means “as white as snow,” and Li means “beautiful.” Together, the name conveyed resilience and hope: snow-white beauty. Even in rejection, she was given an identity that honored her uniqueness.
Albinism is a genetic condition that reduces melanin production in the skin, hair, and eyes. Beyond changing appearance, it often brings challenges such as sensitivity to sunlight and vision impairment. Life for those with albinism can be a daily struggle against prejudice and misunderstanding—but Xueli’s journey demonstrates that difference can also be a source of strength.