© Vanessa Ruck
“Embracing my vitiligo has brought its own joy. I’ve come to appreciate the unique patterns on my skin, even finding humour and positivity in them.”
“My name is Vanessa Ruck, widely recognized as The Girl On A Bike. I’m a motivational speaker, adventure enthusiast, and content creator dedicated to sharing stories of resilience, extreme sports, and life after trauma. Following a life-altering accident in 2014, I embarked on a journey of recovery from chronic pain and multiple surgeries. Today, I compete in motorcycle endurance events, advocate for mental and physical health, and collaborate with brands that align with my passions. Additionally, I openly share my experiences living with vitiligo to raise awareness and empower others to embrace their uniqueness.
My journey with vitiligo began at the age of 13 when I noticed a small white patch on my chest. Over time, these depigmented areas spread to various parts of my body, including my face, hands, chest, back, and legs. Each new patch presented an emotional challenge, requiring me to continually adapt and find acceptance. Living with vitiligo has taught me to redefine beauty and focus on inner strength. By sharing my experiences, I aim to inspire others to embrace their unique appearances and live confidently.
Living with chronic pain and physical limitations from my injuries is an ongoing challenge. My accident left me with long-term physical restrictions, meaning activities that once seemed simple now require careful planning and adaptation. This has required me to become resourceful and resilient, finding ways to participate in sports and activities I love despite the hurdles.
© Vanessa Ruck
Vitiligo brings its own challenges. The condition leaves my skin depigmented and vulnerable to sunburn, requiring constant sun protection and skincare attention. Emotionally, living with a visible difference can be tough. Society often emphasizes uniformity in appearance and vitiligo forces you to stand out. When it first spread to my face, I struggled with confidence, finding it difficult to navigate stares and questions from others. Even today, each new patch still requires a cycle of acceptance, but over time I’ve learned to embrace my vitiligo as part of who I am. It’s been a journey of self-discovery and resilience, and while it hasn’t always been easy, I’ve found strength in my ability to adapt and grow.
© Vanessa Ruck
[Although I have found access to the same opportunities as able-bodied people], they haven’t come without effort. My accident forced me to reevaluate how I approach challenges, and I’ve had to be persistent in seeking out opportunities. In motorsports, for instance, I’ve had to adapt my riding style and gear to accommodate my physical limitations. Despite the challenges, I’ve proven that grit and determination often outweigh physical ability.
With vitiligo, it’s been a journey of self-advocacy. There have been moments of discomfort when societal biases around appearance became apparent, but I’ve learned to use my differences as a platform for positive change. Developing a camouflage process for my face— using sunscreen, fake tan, and makeup—helped me feel more confident in professional settings. Over time, though, I’ve embraced my vitiligo as part of my identity.
By sharing my story openly, I hope to encourage others to fight for their place in the world, regardless of the challenges they face. I want people to know that your differences can become your strengths if you let them.
© Vanessa Ruck
Riding motorcycles, pushing my limits in extreme sports, and connecting with nature bring me immense joy. There’s a freedom that comes with being on two wheels, challenging yourself to tackle tough terrain, and relying on your resilience to get through it. Sharing my story with others and knowing that I’ve inspired someone to face their own struggles with courage is also deeply fulfilling.
Embracing my vitiligo has brought its own joy. I’ve come to appreciate the unique patterns on my skin, even finding humour and positivity in them. For example, I have a patch on my chest that looks like a dinosaur, and it always makes me smile. Accepting my vitiligo as part of what makes me unique has been an empowering experience.
Time with my family and the excitement of watching it grow also brings unparalleled happiness. Life is full of imperfections, but it’s those very imperfections that make it beautiful.
© Vanessa Ruck
[In the future,]I want to continue breaking down barriers and proving that physical limitations or visible differences don’t define your potential. My hope is to inspire others through motivational speaking and content creation, sharing my journey to show that it’s possible to thrive even in the face of adversity.
Vitiligo is a key part of my mission. I wish to foster greater understanding and acceptance of visible differences in society, challenging beauty standards and empowering others to embrace their uniqueness. My plan is to publish a book, grow my presence as a speaker, and continue building my platform to amplify my message.
© Vanessa Ruck
On a personal level, I want to live a life full of purpose, empowering others through my journey and showing that resilience, determination, and self-acceptance are the keys to a fulfilled life. I am a touch nervous about whether my baby will develop vitiligo but I hope that for them, having my skin confidence as a role model will help them love their skin.”
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