EXCLUSIVEPlus-sized Miss Alabama reveals shock health update caused by 'stress and anxiety' from vicious trolls
A plus-size beauty queen has revealed she's got Bell's Palsy due to the stress inflicted by trolls who attacked her appearance.
Sara Milliken, 23, was harassed by online bullies who mocked her weight and said she did not deserve the title of Miss National American Alabama.
She gave an update on Sunday night, sharing how the national attention has taken a toll on her health and left her afraid to be seen in public.
Sara wrote: 'With my story blowing up the way it did I felt an immense amount of stress and anxiety. I didn't even want to walk into a store or pump my gas because it just felt like the entire was talking about me.
'Between that and preparing for a national pageant while just trying to be Sara… I ended up with a case of Bell's Palsy. While there is no way to know for sure what caused it we feel certain that it was caused by the stress I have been experiencing.'
While symptoms of Bell's palsy include temporary paralysis on one side of the face and difficulty making facial expressions, its exact cause is unknown, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Sara, who made national headlines with her win, added that not being able to fully smile has added to her mental plight.
'My smile is something I've always been proud of. I love smiling at people because you never know if your smile is the only one they see today. Overall, I'm a very smiley person. I've even joked that I have a resting smile face.
'Having this taken away from me has been a bit of a mental battle. But I'm happy to report mentally I have been feeling better and coming to terms with things!
'The good news is this is temporary. It can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months. I'm remaining hopeful that with a lotttt of medication and taking it as easy as I can that I will be better soon. Keep praying for me as I would love to have my smile back!'
Sara, who made national headlines with her win, added that not being able to fully smile has added to her mental plight
Sarah was overjoyed when she scooped the top prize in the National American Miss pageant
Sara's win over Memorial Day weekend sparked hate online as vicious trolls attacked her over her weight, with some confusing Sara's pageant with Miss Alabama.
She previously spoke to WKRG about the damage online bullying can leave on someone.
'Even something that you type over a screen can have a lasting impression on people,' she said. 'Even though I'm not at that point, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves.'
Sara is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national final which will be held in Florida over Thanksgiving.
Her victory in Alabama was her third attempt at the contest, which says it hopes to foster 'positive self-image by enhancing natural beauty within.'
It was the first time a plus-size contestant won the pageant.
She responded to an open call and competed over Memorial Day Weekend by taking part in a series of interviews, volunteer work and presentations.
But her delight was short lived, as vile trolls quickly began taunting her about her appearance
She is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national final which will be held in Florida over Thanksgiving
Scoring in the pageant is based on 'personality, confidence and communication', according to organizers.
'Braces, glasses, skin problems, varying heights, weights and appearances, are all a part of creating the special and unique individual that you are and that we want to celebrate,' the website states.
Sara admitted she was shocked by the response to her win, but has since received an influx of support from across the world gaining 2,500 followers across Instagram and Facebook in a single night.
'No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,' Milliken said following her victory.
Sara, from Atmore, Alabama, works as cosmetologist and a make-up artist, having obtained a degree from Reid State Technical College.
She co-hosts a podcast called Girls Gotta Glow and is an advocate for body positivity.
