Shauna Rae, a 25-year-old reality television star, has gained widespread attention for her unique appearance and the challenges it brings in her personal life, particularly in dating. Standing at just 3 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 50 pounds, Rae’s appearance is often likened to that of a child due to a rare medical condition stemming from her childhood battle with cancer.
Rae’s rise to fame came in early 2022 with the launch of her TLC show, I Am Shauna Rae. The series delves into her life story, chronicling how brain cancer and subsequent chemotherapy as a child caused her pituitary gland to underperform, resulting in pituitary dwarfism. This condition halted her physical development, leaving her stature and appearance reminiscent of an eight-year-old girl.
The show’s second season explored Rae’s pursuit of independence and love, shedding light on the unique hurdles she faces in the dating world. Rae openly acknowledges that her appearance attracts individuals she describes as ‘creeps’—men whose intentions she finds questionable. This aspect of her life has sparked a significant online discourse, with fans rallying to support her.
One admirer commented online, “It’s heartbreaking because she deserves to experience love and relationships like anyone else.” Another shared, “She’s just a regular person wanting to be treated as such.”
Despite the public’s encouragement, Rae frequently encounters societal challenges. She has expressed frustration over being perceived and treated like a child in everyday interactions. In one episode of her show, she explained, “People don’t understand that I’m an adult.”
Rae elaborated on this issue in an interview with the New York Post, stating, “When people look at me, they see an eight-year-old. But if they truly observe the details—my facial structure, my hands, my body’s maturity—and take the time to talk to me, they’d realize I’m an adult.”
However, brief encounters often leave little room for such observations. Rae is regularly mistaken for a child and treated accordingly. She revealed in a TikTok video that restaurant staff frequently hand her children’s menus, crayons, and small cups. She said, “It’s the environment and the way I carry myself, but also, when people see a short-statured individual in a family setting, their first assumption is ‘child.’ It happens all the time.”
Beyond societal misunderstandings, Rae’s medical history has influenced her life in profound ways, including her fertility. Though she doesn’t currently plan to have children, Rae has embarked on a fertility journey. During the second season of her show, she explored the possibility of freezing her eggs. However, the high cost—up to $20,000—prevented her from proceeding.
In a YouTube video, Rae shared, “I wanted to freeze my eggs to keep the option open if I decide to have children. Unfortunately, my insurance wouldn’t cover the procedure, and the medication alone was about $9,000. I couldn’t afford it.”
Despite these challenges, Rae remains optimistic about motherhood. She reflected, “I’ve been thinking a lot about whether I want a child who looks like me, or if adoption is the right path. Ultimately, I just want someone to love and grow with, no matter how they come into my life.”
To support her medical needs, Rae launched a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser aims to help her afford egg-freezing procedures and dental implants. On the campaign page, Rae wrote, “I’m seeking help to have the same opportunities as others. I have a limited window before I may become infertile, and my dental health is also a pressing concern. Any contribution can help me work toward a healthier future.”
Amid her medical journey, Rae recently revealed she is in a relationship. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared a photo with her partner, whose face she chose to conceal. Rae captioned the post, “All you need to know is they make me happy, and I wouldn’t be as far along in achieving my goals without them. Please support us and refrain from negativity toward them or our relationship.”
Before meeting her current partner, Rae admitted that navigating the dating world was particularly challenging. Speaking with the New York Post, she explained that she has encountered men with dubious intentions. “I’ve learned to recognize when someone might not have the best intentions. They often give themselves away,” Rae said.
Through her resilience and determination, Rae continues to inspire others, advocating for understanding and acceptance of those who face unique challenges in life.