Woman who grew to 7ft tall thanks to undiscovered tumour marries man over a foot shorter

Laura Abernethy - Wednesday 9 Jun 2021 5:03 pm

From the age of 10, Elisane Silva started to notice she was much taller than her classmates, and even her family.

At that stage she was already 5ft 9 but she kept growing, and now the 26-year-old stands at 6ft 8in.

Her mother Ana Maria Ramos is just 5ft 4in and father Luiz Jorge is 5ft 7in so they didn’t think it was down to genetics.

They later discovered her stature is down to a benign tumour on her pituitary gland, which has caused an overproduction of growth hormone and a condition called giantism.

Elisane, from Salinopolis, Brazil, had no idea about the tumour until 2010 when she had tests on live TV, as her family was unable to pay for them.

Known unofficially as ‘Brazil’s tallest woman’, she married Francinaldo Da Silva Carvalho, 31, in 2015 and he stands at just 5ft 4in – 1ft 4in shorter than her

‘Since I was ten-years-old, I always noticed that there wasn’t something quite right as I was the only one in my family and class that stood at a staggering five-foot-nine-inches,’ Elisane said.

‘My mother is only five-foot-four-inches and my father is just five-foot-seven-inches, so it was a shock to our entire family when I was the tallest member at so young.

‘I began experiencing intense pain in my bones and a lot of pressure build up in my head which I believe was due to the excessive rate I was growing, so we decided to visit a medical professional./p>

‘They suggested performing a few routine tests to get to the bottom of why I was so tall, but as my family were unable to pay for the medical costs, this wasn’t an option.

‘However, a national television network approached my family after hearing my story and in 2010, we flew to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where I appeared on national television and had all my tests done for free on behalf of the network.

‘Although this was embarrassing, I was just glad to finally have an answer and to stop the pain that I was going through as a result of my height.

‘As I received the results, medics found that I had a benign tumour growing on my pituitary gland which had caused an overproduction in my growth hormone and was the reason for my condition.’

Growing up wasn’t easy for Elisane and she was often bullied, with people calling her names like ‘giraffe’, ‘lamppost’ and ‘giant’.

The comments impacted her mental health significantly and she eventually left school completely.

‘I remember locking myself up at home as I felt so sick with the hurtful comments and words people were constantly saying to me,’ said Elisane.

‘I decided to give up and it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make, as I wanted to continue studying but I knew that I wouldn’t last any longer in that environment.

‘At the time, I was seventeen-years-old, so my parents didn’t have much to say on the matter and I was really lost about where to go next in life.’

In 2011, she met Francinaldo and they quickly fell in love, despite the height difference.

‘I felt an instant connection the moment I met him, that I didn’t even notice his height. Francinaldo stands at just five-foot-four-inches, which is nearly two-foot shorter than me – but I didn’t care,’ she said.

‘Although he was curious about my height and condition, he didn’t make any evil comments, nor did he judge me for the way I looked.

‘I fell for him right there and then, as he was the first person to treat me like a human being and not some freak of nature.

‘Although there is an obvious height difference, we don’t see it as an issue as we love each other just the way we are and wouldn’t want anything to change.

‘In 2012, Francinaldo proposed to me and even though I was just a teenager, I wanted to spend my life with him.’

They married in September 2015 and went on to have a son, Angelo, three, who is currently 3ft 1in.

Elisane said: ‘Although we used to get comments from people in the street when we were walking together, I’m no longer the centre of attention now we have our beautiful son.

‘Angelo is already three-foot-three-inches at three-years-old, but I don’t believe he will grow to be as tall as me because I don’t think my condition is hereditary.

‘I think he will grow up to be average height – but even if not, he should embrace the unique asset he has been given.’

Elisane is now working towards becoming a professional model, which has been a dream since she was a teenager.

She said: ‘Although I haven’t been successful just yet, I usually go out and take professional photos of myself and add it to my portfolio to pass on to agencies.

‘Despite no agencies picking up on them yet, these photo sessions have helped my levels of confidence immensely and I have started to love myself for who I am.

‘I get comments from those online who see my photos, who have called me the ‘tallest woman in Brazil’ and although this is probably true, nothing has been made official yet.’

Although she spent many years feeling self conscious about her height, she says her family have helped her learn to love who she is.

She added: ‘I have learned to love myself for my unique height, as there’s no-one quite like me and I think that’s rather special.

‘I have found a good man to love, have a wonderful son, a beautiful family and I am grateful that God has taught me to overcome these obstacles in life.

‘Don’t let people’s evil comments interfere with your life, as it’s not for them to judge you based on how you look or who you love – stay true to yourself and you’ll live happily.’

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Pakistan's tallest woman, Zainab Bibi, passed away on Thursday.

Zainab was admitted to Allied Hospital Faisalabad, two months before. She was 46 years old at the time of death. She was reportedly suffering with diabetes and osteoporosis.

Zainab was 7 feet 2 inches and in 2003 was declared the world's tallest woman, earning her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

In an interview to Dawn newspaper last year, she said that she was striving to make ends meet owing to her illness and lack of financial cooperation from the government. And her sister had to sell pakoras in order to make ends meet.

After that Zainab Bibi was handed over a cheque worth Rs 2 million by the government by the government of Nawaz Sharif to ease her predicament.

Her funeral ceremony will be held in her ancestral village Rajana, Toba Taik Singh.

Ashley received this via Facebook earlier

well jorge has a tall woman fetish so what makes you want to be friends with him then? Also who are you to be begging for money from multiple sites not like you are the only one in the world with money problems and also let's be honest not like you are the only one in the world with money problems other boyfriends worth their salt would not allow that he should be taking care of that not other people. You calling me a creep you are a panhandler and as far as me saying something to you not like your weren't saying something back don't think a person is going to have something said to them and them not throw it write back. and you are so pissed off because your life is miserable and you are dying from that marfan syndrome while me Iam in good health just a knee problem and not dying so i guess you are pissed off because my life like everyone elses life is way better than yours because I tried to be nice and this is how you treat people. You were just looking for an excuse to be pissed off since you are dying from marfan syndrome and it has messed you life up.

Note: The person who wrote this has at least two fake Facebook profiles.

https://www.facebook.com/garfield.johnjr
https://www.facebook.com/john.richmond.3950178

You can still contribute to Ashley's Wheelchair & Medical fund

I use this section to remember my good friend Ashley Britt who died November 1st 2015

I first started talking to Ashley back in March of 2007 when she filled out the Tallwomen.org Questionnaire. I thought long and hard about whether or not I should be publishing this, but I think it helps to explain what kind of person Ashley was. Please learn more about Ashley by visiting the pages below:

Australia's tallest female basketballer Sue Geh inducted into ACT Sport Hall of Fame

November 20, 2015

Chris Dutton, Sports Reporter at The Canberra Times

She was the gentle 206-centimetre giant who stood out because of her height, but ACT Sport Hall of Fame inductee Sue Geh helped build a legacy for women's basketball in Canberra.

Seventeen years after the Olympian died from heart failure, Geh will be one of nine athletes and officials added to the Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Monday.

Geh will be inducted alongside retired Sydney Swans champion Craig Bolton, lawn bowler Adam Jeffery, Paralympian Lisa Llorens and multi para-sports star Michael Milton.

Former Canberra Raiders chairman John McIntyre, Brumbies president Geoff Larkham, hockey administrator Graham Carter and para-athletics coach Chris Nunn will be honoured as associate members.

Geh's recognition comes with a touching twist. Officials sent a letter to Geh's mum Inge and it arrived just days before Inge died earlier this month.

Geh's career was cut short by knee injuries, a potential stint with the University of Alabama Birmingham was thwarted by a heart murmur and Mafran Syndrome led to her death after her 39th birthday in 1998.

She remains the tallest player to have represented the Australian Opals. She scored 69 points in an ACT premier division match and helped the Capitals gain entry into the WNBL.

"In those days [1985] she was unique because there weren't that many tall players, she certainly was intimidating because she altered shots and was athletic enough to get up and down the floor," said former coach Jerry Lee.

"She was a super person and you couldn't ask for an easier person to coach.

"Most of the centres for Australia were six-feet one, two or three. She was six-foot nine. There weren't many that could match her height."

Sport and Recreation has taken over Hall of Fame operations after ACT Sport was disbanded in July after more than 30 years.

Geh left her mark on courts around Canberra, dominating opponents after a coach plucked a then towering nine-year-old off the sideline and added her into an under-14s team.

Geh was the tallest female player in the world and was poised to play in the US, but a medical examination revealed a heart murmur. She was prepared to sign a waiver to absolve the university of any responsibility but Alabama Birmingham officials weren't willing to let her play and sent her back to Australia.

Geh was then picked up by the AIS and made her Opals debut, playing a pivotal role at getting Australia's first Olympic Games win.

She scored 10 points, had four assists, blocked three shots and grabbed three rebounds as Australia beat Yugoslavia.

"If it wasn't for [Geh] and Jenny Cheesman and that Canberra team that won 19 straight games [in the Women's Basketball Conference], the Capitals wouldn't be in the WNBL," Lee said.

"Sue and Jenny were probably the reason we stepped from division two into the WNBL. Sue passed away at a young age and she was frail. She was long and lanky, but certainly had it."

Former Basketball ACT general manager Brian Franklin spoke at Inge's funeral on Friday and will accept Geh's award on Monday alongside Errol Raiser.

"[Inge] was pretty pleased when she got the news and I understand she got the official letter [of Geh's award] three days before she died," Franklin said.

"[Geh's] height was the advantage, she was the tallest woman in Australia. She wasn't what you'd call a player with all the moves. But she was very effective and established her reputation in the game with a blinder at the 1984 Olympics."

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Basketball Great Anne Donovan Dies at 56

By Doug Doyle • 12 hours ago

Not only was Anne Donovan a legendary and pioneering figure in women's basketball, she was also one of the kindest and thoughtful people I have ever met. 

Donovan, a native of Ridgewood, New Jersey who dominated play at Paramus Catholic High school, won Olympic gold as a player and as a coach for the United States.  

Donovan died Wednesday of heart failure. She was 56.

Anne was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995 and also was part of the inaugural class of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.  I asked her back in a 2012 episode of SportsJam with Doug Doyle if the women’s hall meant more to her.

"Gosh, it's tough because of who I went into that class with.  I went in with all the people I admired, respected and looked up to from the first concept of women's basketball for me.  So, going into that class was very special with the company I went in with.  The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame was something I never aspired to, I just never thought that would be possible, and going in with Kareen Abdul-Jabbar and Cheryl Miller who was one of my peers, made that class very special also."

Donovan, a 6-foot-8 center coached at Seton Hall University and in the WNBA.  Why did she coach?

"I never aspired to be a coach even through college.  I played six years of professional basketball and didn't aspire to coach and kind of fell into it by chance . When my basketball player career came to an end, I got roped into being a volunteer coach, but I found that I really loved it.  I loved feeling like I could make a difference in these ladies lives and having gone through a pretty long career myself, I felt like I had something to offer."

To give you an example of the type of person Anne Donovan was, here's what she did for me when I was doing the PA announcing for her Seton Hall women's home games.  Each year she got the all the players on her team to sign a card for me, expressing their thanks for helping announce their games and being a part of the Pirates program.  That's class.  Who does that?

I told Anne during our 2012 interview that I first saw her when Old Dominion came to Penn State to play a big game that season.  I looked up and saw the tallest woman I had ever seen at that point.   I came to learn many years later, that her heart was actually bigger than her height.  She made me feel special and part of her squad.  I will never forget those games.

At Old Dominion, Donovan won an AIAW championship and lead ODU to the NCAA Women's Final Four as a senior.

Prior to her days coaching at Seton Hall, she had an terrific coaching career in the WNBA, becoming the first female coach and youngest person to win a title in the WNBA, helping the Seattle Storm to the 2004 championship.  She coached five WNBA teams including the New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun.

Donovan was named The Star-Ledger's Player of the Century in 2000.  She scored 1,000 points in a single twice at Paramus Catholic High School, won four state titles and was the nation's top recruit.  

Her family confirmed her death in a statement. "While it is extremely difficult to express how devastating it is to lose Anne, our family remains so very grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful human being."

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Sunday, 7 June 2015 - 6:30am | Place: Mumbai | Agency: dna | From the print edition

Roshni Nair, Averil Nunes, Rama Sreekant

Too short or too tall, they don't fit society's definition of 'normal' and often find themselves on the margins of mainstream life. But they have taken on the challenge imposed by their height to forge their own identities. Roshni Nair, Averil Nunes and Rama Sreekant get an insight into the the struggles of those who give us valuable life lessons in how to make the most of adversity

Gender games

"One of my clients, a schoolgirl, lost all self-confidence as she had a tough time due to her height," says Chhabria. "She'd slouch and shun socialising because she perennially feared she'd be made fun of. As it is, every girl is body-conscious at a point. When kids make fun of you at this juncture, it can scar."

Goregaon resident Vijaya Pawar has been witness to this. She stands 5'10" tall and is hardly what one would insensitively call a 'giant'. But she grew up at a time when the average Indian height was less than what it is today. "In my village, people would say things like 'Tu bahut jaldi budhdhi ho jayegi', or 'You're so big now, why aren't you married yet?' This was when I was still in school," she says, and admits the pressure to fit in led to the drooping of the shoulders and consequently, a slight but lifelong hunch.

"I've seen mothers of girls who are 5'9"-5'10" encouraging them to stoop because they 'won't get boys who'll marry them'," shares orthopaedist Dr Neeraj Bijlani. Public infrastructure is also not adjusted for tall Indians, leave alone 'abnormally tall' ones, he adds. So having to constantly bend or sit uncomfortably in seats that are ergonomic only for the majority can predispose one to joint problems.

Then there's Scheuermann's Disease, a classic example of a socio-cultural phenomenon leading to a medical issue. Bijlani explains: "This condition is caused due to constant slouching, which affects the growth of the vertebrae and creates a hunchback. In my practice, the male-female prevalence is 1:10."

There's more. "If those affected are still growing, belts, braces and posture correction can be undertaken. The condition can't be reversed for adults. Their only option is corrective surgery," he says.

Citing numerous studies, The Atlantic's Joe Pinsker said in a May 2015 article titled 'The Financial Perks of Being Tall', "...an extra inch is worth almost $800 a year in elevated earnings." Meaning the taller you are, the more you'll earn – if you're in a 'Western' country.

Former I Am She Miss Universe India runner-up Reha Sukheja is yet to have a level playing field, leave alone get a fatter paycheck than peers. At 6'1", this 24-year-old is often rejected at auditions for commercials due to her height. "People say, 'Sorry, you're too tall'. If I'm auditioning for 10 ads, I'll go beyond step one in maybe two-three. Mostly since those will be 'solo girl' ads with no men," she says.

When she was in school, her PT teacher pushed her into the basketball queue even though she wanted to play volleyball. And having to cock her ear to hear what people around are saying is routine. "It's awkward posing for pictures. And yes, people look me up and down – first to see my height, then at my feet to check if I'm wearing heels and then back up again for confirmation," she laughs. But all this, she adds, isn't a bugbear like
the professional constraints she faces.

In an atmosphere where significantly tall women condition themselves to bending, slouching and feeling overtly conscious of their heights, Sukheja is an exception. It helps that her father and mother – former model Renu Sukheja, herself 5'10" – never made her feel small about her height. Reha always maintained a straight posture, basically flipping the bird to all those who encourage 'lambus' to do otherwise or say things like tall girls don't 'need' to wear heels. She also has no qualms dating shorter men – her current boyfriend is a few inches shorter. "If both of us are okay with it, I don't see why anyone else should care," she underlines.

This is the attitude parents, teachers and guardians should foster in the considerably tall instead of alienating them further, says Anjali Chhabria. Society will keep projecting its anxieties on anyone with a different body. The antidote is to be accept and be comfortable in your own skin.

How long, then, before those like Sukheja – and others of varying body types – get to play in a level field? One can only hope it won't be a wait for eternity.

Read the full article

Hi!

I just wanted to let my friends and family know that my second book "Bigfoot Still Lives in Idaho" is now available for purchase! I am excited to finish this book! It is bigger than the first book and includes brand stories of Bigfoot sightings from all over Idaho.

The best place to get a copy is at www.bigfootlives.info or talk to me personally. While you are at that site you should also check out the very cool T shirts we have available.

Thank you for your love and support throughout the years, this has been an incredible adventure!

About Becky

I was born in Pocatello, Idaho and lived on the Fort Hall Indian reservation the first part of my life where there are many Bigfoot stories. I have been interested in the Bigfoot since I was about ten and started collecting these stories while I was in high school. The book, Bigfoot Lives in Idaho, was written with those stories from all over Idaho and was published November 2012. Since then I have been collecting stories and pictures for the next book which will be out later this year.

I am one of the 100 tallest women in the United States and in the top 200 tallest women in the world, but I still don't compare to the Bigfoot. I have big feet but theirs are definitly bigger.

I love to hear stories about Bigfoot - please share yours!

Visit Becky's website

This article is somewhat "old" but still makes for a good read:

She might have to duck her head when she walks through a door. But Britain's tallest teenage girl likes towering over her friends.

Jessica Pardoe, 18, who is 6ft 9in in bare feet, said: "I'm really proud to be this tall. I don't mind being a bit different. And it has so many advantages.

"I love going to music festivals and it's great to be able to see over everyone's heads."

Read the full article on the Daily Mirror website

Caroline Welz is 6'9" and the joint tallest woman in Germany

I have known Caro for several years. She's not only tall, she is absolutely stunning and, what's best, very level-headed. If there's one young tall woman who can be a role model for others it has to be Caro. Good luck to you, doll-face!

About Carolyn Moos

Our life experiences combined with our education shape our sociological beings. Here is a window to what has shaped the person I am today. I look forward to hearing your story, too!

I embrace my 6'5" stature as a unique attribute that is a reflection of my gift- to influence, educate and inspire individuals who seek to improve their health.

Who is Carolyn Moos and What is FITT4LIFE

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. I played for USA Basketball, Stanford (B. A. Sociology, Minor Communications), FIBA/WNBA and completed my Masters at USC in Communication Management, (where my masters thesis focused on the power of preventative health, and lifestyle related diseases (type II diabetes, heart disease and more). I currently practice as an ACE Certified nutrition consultant and trainer in Los Angeles and am completing my R. D.. I also work with clients in a virtual environment through e-mail and phone consultations for nutrition log analysis and virtual training sessions for yoga, weights, cardio and circuit training. You can train with me anytime, anywhere in the world and I will be certain to keep you FITT4Life! I am primarily focused on Nutrigenomics and studies that examine molecular relationships between nutrition and the response of genes, with the goal of understanding how changes in nutrition (exercise, stress reduction) can affect human health and lower risk of disease. I focus on glycemic index, macronutrient profiling, and body composition, while integrating bio/psycho/social aspects of lifestyle change.

My primary demographics include: baby boomers (lowering risk of disease, longevity and vitality), elite athletes (lowering risk of injury and aiding in the rehab process), mothers-to-be (maintaining a healthy body pre and post pregnancy) and the general public with goals to change their lifestyle. This website outlines the effective and engaging combination of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle management in my FITT4Life program. I may be contacted via cell phone at 310-600-3320 or E-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Your unique attributes are a priceless gift. Recognize them; utilize them to fuel your sense of empowerment, place and purpose.
Carolyn Moos

Visit her website

Colleen has a few great ideas - so you are about to get colleen-i-fied!

For more info visit her website www.6footsix.com

Colleen stands something over six foot six and has some thoughts about the problems tall people face.

She loves cooking, but not the pain that comes with bending down to a three foot high counter.  When she asked for suggestions people told her to install taller countertops. Neat, but tough if you live in an apartment or are on a budget.

Colleen has been using her colleenified countertop to bring her work surface up to an ergonomically proper height.  You can see this in the before and after photos and the video.  You should also check out the outtakes on her colleenify blog.

Most of you will not have exactly the same ideal countertop height as she does, so the countertop can be custom made to suit anyone from about 5'9" to 7'0".

Find a friend and measure yourself and check out the product page.  Please answer the survey because we would like to know what you think!

These can be made in a variety of heights and widths. Someone who is 6'1" reports it has greatly improved his back pain doing kitchen work and the same will probably be true for any tall woman who comes here.

These are beautifully made by hand of solid maple in Kentucky and can be made to a variety of lengths and widths.  They have rubberized inserts on the feet so they won't mar your real countertop and, if you are tall enough, you can store things under yours.

If you buy one be sure to mention the word colleenified!

De-Fen Yao

July 15th 1972 - November 13th 2012

who supposedly stood at 7'9" (236,2 cm) at her tallest.

It has been confirmed that De-Fen Yao has died.  According to a programme on the Discovery Channel UK she was supposed to have an operation on the brain tumour which caused her gigantism in January 2007. So far I haven't had any news if the operation had taken place or not.

More on Ms. Yao:

Wikepedia entry

"Gigantism patient receives treatment in Shanghai"

I've been asked several times why I consider Ms. Yao to be the tallest woman in the world:

Well, as you can see in the video-clip it has finally been confirmed that she is the tallest woman in the world. I guess the Guinness Book of Records needs to be updated.

The story: 19 years ago she was diagnosed with Acromegaly – a disease resulting from a tumour on the pituitary gland causing it to pump out excess growth hormone. Thanks to a documentary being made for a British Television programme, two of the leading doctors specialising in Acromegaly have offered to help De-Fen for free. The doctors and the television production team have been raising money for De-Fen’s recovery and future.

Even though the actual appear is now over you can still visit the Yao Defen Appeal Website.

Name: Vilma
Birthday: April 17th, 1968
Height: 6'6 1/4"
Location: Canada

Hello. I am Vilma, originally from Lithuania, now I live in Canada. I am a former basketball player and 6'6 1/4" or 197cm tall :) As I am growing older, I feel more and more comfortably about my height. Growing up I didnt' have a lot of problems with my height because I played basketball all time with my team and went to special school for athletes so we were all tall and especially strong. Of course we always were meeting people, who were looking at tall women, like at miracle, or something from another world.

I still hear somebody telling me news: "You are tall"... I could answer: you are fat, ugly, small,or............ instead but I alway say: "I know, this is nothing new to me." There will always be people who think tall women aren't "normal", but what is normal? So I start loving myself a long time ago. I like the way I am. And when I look in the mirror I smile to myself and see my amazing body and love it.

I know I have only one, tall body and that is where my soul lives. So when I smile a lot of people smile be back, and I often hear compliments. Some of them amazing. I know, more importantly it's what is on the inside, but when I meet someone new the first thing people see is tall me so some are scared and some curious but after they get to know me better most people love me. I don't need to make everybody love me though. I know who I am (and I don't need to prove anything to anybody) and most importantly I LOVE MYSELF.

I live today and in my body. I can't change it and I don't want that. I love it, love it, love it. I just want to make every tall girl smile. If you see a tall woman who thinks something is wrong with her because she is tall give her a hug and give her some of my confidence in order to make her life better. Don't worry... we are all different, and here it's beauty of the nature.

Have good day and keep smiling TALL GIRLS! :)
From Vilma

Written by my good friend Uche Belinda Nnoka

Question for any tall readers: At the places where you spend the bulk of your day, do you feel the need to dumb down on elements of your personality or character because people have issues with your height?

I'm a 6ft 8ins tall black female and throughout my life I have found that people have issues with my presence. Typically, any disagreements I have with an issue or point of view are angrily rebuffed with 'just because you're tall!' (there was seldom a complete sentence with that statement) or 'I'm not afraid of you!' I also find that people want to argue with me a lot more than with others because in their mind, I'm trying to dominate them with my presence as opposed to my reason. Why should it automatically be assumed that I am trying to be intimidating? Isn't it possible that I was disagreeing because their argument had no sound reason or logic? Rest assured that when ever I am trying to explain my point of view or disagreeing with something, trying to overwhelm people with my height isn't is never the strategy!

To many, tall people represent intimidation, despised authority, domination, oppression and someone to be fought with, which is curious. This can in turn result in a lot of hostility from those with such feelings as they spend their time and energy devising ways to try and put us down without even getting to know us. I wonder why tall people are viewed in the negative, more than in the positive? Well, this has largely been my experience anyway. How can the fact that you are a few inches taller have such a bizarre effect on people?

As this happened so often, I found myself saying little in meetings, or not offering my real point of view when it was asked for, for fear of being misunderstood. I was then looked at as not being a particularly useful member of the team because I wasn't participating in the conversations!! I found myself second guessing everything I was planning to say so as to not come across as 'aggressive' and 'domineering' and so consequently I said very little.

In addition to not saying very much in meetings I found that somehow my sense of style changed too. I was never told to change the way I looked but, somehow I ended up becoming a blander version of myself. I no longer wore my funky earrings or my chunky bracelets; I went from wearing clothing which was vibrant and colourful to having a wardrobe that consisted of largely black and blue colours. When I spoke to people I found myself tongue tied and unable to express myself adequately, much to the exasperation of those I was speaking to as well as myself.

Unless we are very strong mentally this is what happens when we consciously or unconsciously try to change ourselves into a version that people find acceptable. We become less than the people that God intended us to be.

It took me a while to realise all of this but when I did, I made the necessary changes with speed and precision. I left the church that I was attending (yes, this sort of mess happens in churches too), I quit jobs and I walked away from negative people whose strange behaviour was sapping my soul.

I do sometimes lament that I wasn't emotionally strong enough when I was younger to be myself regardless. It is a shame that it has taken me so long to get back to being who I really am, but better late than never. I still have opinions that are typically different to those around me, and it still causes friction at times, but I'm completely unbothered by this. I've decided that if I had no malice or ill intent in my heart when I was putting my point across and people choose to view that as my being intimidating or aggressive, that's on them. I refuse to waste my time and energy trying to placate the insecurities of such individuals. As I type this I'm wearing my red and black dress with my large hoop earrings which are almost the same size as a saucer just like I used to do! Stella has got her groove back!

Did you ever go through anything like this? If so how did you deal with it?

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Ekaterina Lisina (born October 15, 1987), is a former Russian basketball player who competed for the Russian National Team at the 2008 Summer Olympics, winning the bronze medal.

Ekaterina is now considered to be the tallest model in the world.

Visit her website

From what I can gather they are not really specialising in the the topic "Tall Women" but their tag list is somewhat long nonetheless. Interesting... and some of the articles make for a good read.

Here's the full article / tag list

The family of Thailand's tallest girl, who died at age 24 last week, will donate her body to Siriraj Hospital, with hopes that it will benefit medical students.

Malee Duangdee, who was last measured at 212 centimeters, died on Saturday from a heart attack related to other chronic diseases. Malee was once recognized in the Guinness World Records in 2009 as the tallest woman in the world when she was 17 years old and measured 207 centimeters.

Thai Red Cross Society transported her body to Siriraj Hospital last night as her family hopes medical students can further their knowledge by studying her body. In Thai culture, a dead person used in medical study is respected and referred to as a "principal" among the students.

Over 3,000 people attended Malee’s funeral in Chang Kluea Temple in her hometown of Trat province, Nation TV reported.

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This is a much viewed section of tallwomen.org. Does it help to be a tall woman if you want to become famous? Well, judging from the list below it certainly won't do you any harm. 

As I keep saying: "The sky's the limit. Virtually!". For more on "celebrity heights" visit www.celebheights.com

Note: I have only listed women who have their own website or those I know "personally" and who have given me the permission to use their content, info and photographs.

Northern grad, former reality TV star Rabenberg brings comedy act to town

By Kelda J.L. Pharris - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

She's a Mobridge native and former Northern State University basketball player, TV reality star and life coach. Now Krista Rabenberg wants to make you laugh.

Rabenberg, 31, is bringing Las Vegas Laughs, with sketch comedian Steven Briggs, to the Best Western Ramkota Hotel, 1400 Eighth Ave. N.W. Shows are today and Saturday at 8 p.m.

Krista Rabenberg brings a comedy act to Aberdeen this weekend. She once played basketball for Northern State University and was on the show "My Giant Life." Courtesy photo

Comedian wasn't a career path Rabenberg took seriously right away, but it seemed to fit. The reality show wanted to run with it, and being a 6-foot, 6-inch tall woman, she had a lot of goofy things to talk about. Like crouching in bathroom stalls because she doesn't want to stand up and frighten anyone when her frame pops her head up over the doors, she said. Yes, it's a thing.

"(Comedy) is an escape for a lot of people for how crazy it is in the world right now," Rabenberg said by phone Thursday. "People need that coping method. I didn't take it seriously for a while. Once I took that perspective, I thought that I can really help people, just in a different way than I thought I would be."

Comedy is taking the front burner for Rabenberg right now. She has signed contracts with talent management companies in Canada and Las Vegas, where she is currently based. She said her Aberdeen shows are a test run with the potential for a tour through South Dakota, but nothing is on the calendar.

Previously she was on the reality series "My Giant Life." It focused on women who were exceptionally tall. Her roommate in the series was 6-foot-9. It was weird being the shorter person for one time in her life, Rabenberg said. All of those experiences, and a continuous supply from her private life, keep her material fresh.

A large part of her life while she was on "My Giant Life" played out on social media. She'd meet clients online who sought her as a life coach, which her line of work at the time. Because of her TV fame there was some unwanted attention from men who had "kinks" or "fetishes" about tall women, she said. Her decision to try standup comedy yielded better attention than her work as a life coach, she said.

Strangely enough, it has put her extensive education in psychology to good use, Rabenberg said.

Advance tickets are $15 for general admission, $25 for VIP with meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. They are available at bit.ly/2KGuSCA. General admission tickets are $20 at the door.

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