‘The world’s most beautiful traffic warden’ has revealed that she underwent a bone marrow transplant for a rare skin condition.
Daniela Gaviria, 30, found fame in a viral video in October 2022 when a passing motorist said she “looks like a model” and “her face is perfect”.
She later called the viral clip “the beginning of everything”.
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The mother-of-two was carrying out her job as a traffic warden in Pereira, Colombia when fame tapped her on the shoulder.
Local media dubbed her ‘the most beautiful traffic warden in the world’.
Her Instagram following quickly swelled from 2,600 to 300,000.
Daniela then went into modelling after several brands cashed in on her popularity.
She recently revealed that she is suffering from scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that affects her skin and connective tissues.
She explained: “I have progressive systemic sclerosis or scleroderma. It affects all my tissues.
“It’s an autoimmune disease, and we’re working to minimise everything it’s causing.”
Daniela added: “This does not define me, I am still me, with big dreams and a desire to live life to the full.”
She first began a treatment that her body rejected and ended up affecting some internal organs.
Doctors decided the last option was the bone marrow transplant, which took place at the Valle del Lili Clinic in Cali on 5 December 2024.
She was hospitalised for 40 days and received chemotherapy, which caused her hair to fall out.
Daniela said she also lost 22 lbs (10 kg) in weight.
However, after 60 days, she was told she had made progress normally seen after 120 days.
She said her 10-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter give her motivation to keep living and maintain a positive outlook.
Today, Daniela said she is feeling less pain in her skin, which has loosened and is less tense than before, as reported by Need To Know.
In an update on her Instagram page yesterday (16 Feb), she said: “Slow processes, big blessings.”
One fan said: “Every day more and more beautiful.”
Fernando added: “You are amazing and I admire you for who you are.”
Omar remarked: “You are a warrior woman, forward-thinking, resilient, a great woman and an exceptional mother.
“I admire you greatly for your courage and the way you face things.”
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