In 2012, Patricia Krentcil gained notoriety after being accused of endangering children. In fact, readers may be more familiar with her as “Tan Mom” due to her obsession with frequenting tanning salons and spending time in the booth five days a week.
Eventually, Patricia came dangerously close to passing away because to the contentious condition known as tanerexia, which occurs when a person doesn’t recognize or accept how much color they have. Though she continues to visit the salon, she is now doing much better.
“Tan Mom” has endured a lot over the past ten years. Here is how she seems right now!
Obsession with anything, whether it be eating, shopping, television shows, or anything else, is rarely a beneficial habit to form. Of course, some things are worse for your health than others, but ultimately, it’s important to understand the long-term effects an obsession may have on one’s life.
It’s usually a good idea to see someone if you ever feel like something is starting to dominate your life or that you are placing an obsession above other crucial aspects of your regular existence. Try speaking with a friend or getting support from a counselor.
Patricia Krentcil – ‘Tan Mom’
Patricia Krentcil’s fascination propelled her to internet stardom. She began tanning when she was younger, and it soon became to be a significant part of her life. When Patricia went on trial for bringing her daughter to a tanning parlor in 2012, she instantly became an internet sensation. Although she was never found guilty, her name was already well-known.
She now tans more healthfully, but her time spent in the booth had a significant impact on her life and appearance.
When Patricia was only 23 years old, she developed a tanning fetish. According to the owner of City Tropics Tanning Salon in Nutley, New Jersey, the New Jersey woman averaged five visits each week for a maximum session length of 12 minutes. She paid $100 a month for an unlimited package.
“I’ve been tanning my whole life, going to the beach, tanning salons and so forth,” she said.
However, it wasn’t her tanning that originally made her a household name online. Her image was widely shared online in 2012, but for a completely different cause.
Krentcil was accused with endangering children in May 2012. According to authorities, she put her 6-year-old kid in a stand-up tanning booth, causing burns, as CBS New York reported.
Charged after brining daughter tanning
Patricia, though, asserted that everything was a massive misunderstanding. She was adamant that she would never take Anna, her daughter, to the salon.
“No not at all, not at all, not whatsoever,” Krentcil said.
However, the Nutley Police Department detained Krentcil and accused him of endangering children. The toddler allegedly received a minor burn in the tanning salon where she had taken Anna with her, according to the authorities.
According to ABC, New Jersey law prohibits anyone under the age of 14 from using a tanning bed. Teens older than 14 could visit salons, but only with permission from their parents.
In Anna’s case, the controversy began when a school nurse happened to ask Anna how she had gotten burned, to which the girl answered: “I go tanning with mommy.” Patricia, though, claimed that Anna had been burned after playing outside in their backyard.
“There’s not room… I would never permit it… It didn’t happen,” Krentcil said.
“She’s 6 years old. Yes, she does go tanning with mommy, but not in the booth,” she added. “The whole thing’s preposterous!”
Patricia at that moment earned the moniker “Tan Mom” in the media. Patricia’s face was on newscasts and in newspapers all around the world after the purported incident went viral online.
“They just don’t realize just how much color they have”
Additionally, it clarified the contentious condition known as tanorexia, in which a person develops a dependence on and obsession with tanning.
“When you look at this, this is somebody who has a problem which most likely has a condition called tanerexia, where they just don’t realize just how much color they have,” New York dermatologist Doris Day told ABC News.
“There’s really no excuse to take a young child to a tanning salon,” she added.
“We often consider going to a tanning salon the equivalent of smoking for the skin and the younger you start, those effects are cumulative.”
Health professionals concurred that Patricia’s situation was quite serious. Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner thought it was one of the craziest situations he had ever encountered.
“In all my years of treating patients as a dermatologist, I have never encountered anything like this,” Zeichner said.
“Going to a tanning salon 20 times a month, frankly, is insane, especially with all of the public education and awareness campaigns on the dangers of tanning beds and skin cancers.”
“It may be she has an [obsession with] tanning, which actually now has a name – tanorexia. She may need help to treat not only the damage to her skin but also what is going on with her psychologically,” he added.
‘Tan Mom’ faced up to 10 years in prison
The Skin Care Foundation claims that people who use indoor tanning equipment have a four-fold increased risk of developing melanoma. Sunbeds emit 12 to 15 times more UV radiation than the sun, according to the foundation.
The Woman Was Born Without Arms but Enjoys Motherhood. She Feeds and Dresses Her Daughter Herself Using Her Feet
Dejana Backo’s story is one of perseverance, strength, and boundless love. Born without arms, she never let her disability define her. Instead, she pushed past every obstacle, proving that limitations exist only in the mind. Today, she is not only a celebrated athlete and artist but also a devoted mother who cares for her child with incredible skill—using only her feet.
Her journey is a testament to human resilience, showing that challenges can be turned into stepping stones toward greatness. From excelling in para taekwondo to becoming a mother, Dejana has redefined what it means to live a full and meaningful life.
Embracing Her Unique Identity
Born on December 9, 1994, in Novi Sad, Serbia, Dejana grew up questioning why she was different. As a child, she often asked her mother why she didn’t have arms. However, as she matured, she realized that her body was not a limitation but a unique gift. She chose to embrace it and live life with confidence.
Her positive outlook and strong character helped her achieve incredible success in multiple fields. Nicknamed the “Girl with Wings”, she became a symbol of empowerment in Serbia, proving that strength comes from within.
An Extraordinary Athlete and Artist
Dejana’s achievements are nothing short of inspiring. At the young age of nine, she joined the Society of Mouth and Foot Painters, a move that ignited her passion for art. Determined to refine her skills, she later pursued a degree at the Academy of Fine Arts in Novi Sad, where she honed her talent and showcased her work across multiple Balkan countries.
Video : Mom withouth hands – playing with baby Lara – good morning – lets rock this day
But her passion didn’t stop at art. Dejana had always dreamed of competing in the Paralympic Games, leading her to take up para taekwondo in 2016. Her dedication paid off when she won the K41 women’s -47 kg division at the World Para Taekwondo Championship in Turkey in 2019—making history as Serbia’s first world champion in this category.
From Champion to Motherhood
In February 2023, Dejana embraced an entirely new role—motherhood. Choosing to step away from competitions, she prioritized preparing for her baby’s arrival, even deciding to skip the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. While she may not be competing in sports for now, she remains active in spreading inspiration through social media.
Motherhood comes with its own set of challenges, but Dejana has once again proved that she is unstoppable. She has mastered using her feet for everyday tasks, including feeding, dressing, and caring for her child. With the same resilience she showed in sports and art, she is tackling motherhood with grace and determination.
A Love Story Rooted in Strength and Support
Dejana is not alone in her journey—she has a strong and supportive partner. Her husband, a fitness instructor, has been by her side, providing encouragement and love. Their relationship is a powerful reminder that love transcends physical limitations.
The couple enjoys traveling and sharing their experiences online, proving that their bond is built on mutual admiration and shared adventures. On February 22, 2024, they took their love to the next level and officially tied the knot. In a heartfelt social media post, Dejana wrote:
“When you love without boundaries, unconditionally and completely pure. 22.2.2024—the day these two beautiful people swore before God for eternal love!”
Their wedding was not just a celebration of their love, but also a moment that showed the world that true love knows no physical barriers.
Facing Motherhood with Confidence
For many new mothers, taking care of a child can feel overwhelming, but Dejana has adapted in extraordinary ways. She changes her baby’s diapers, clothes, and even walks with her by holding hands—using only her feet. Her ability to care for her child in such a unique way is nothing short of extraordinary.
In an interview, she spoke about the realities of being a disabled mother, admitting that there are challenges but emphasizing that self-worth and a positive mindset help overcome any difficulties.
“We all have some difficulties as people with disabilities,” Dejana shared. “But if you have a good picture of yourself, if you know who you are and what your worth is, you can overcome anything and focus on the positives.”
A Life That Inspires Millions
Dejana’s journey is more than just a personal success story—it is a source of inspiration for millions around the world. She has shown that no obstacle is too great, no dream is too big, and no challenge is impossible to conquer.
- As an artist, she has defied expectations by painting breathtaking pieces with her feet.
- As an athlete, she has shattered records and proved that physical disabilities do not define one’s capabilities.
- As a mother, she is proving that love, creativity, and perseverance are more powerful than any physical limitation.
Conclusion: A Story of Courage, Love, and Strength
Dejana Backo’s life is a shining example of what can be achieved with courage, determination, and self-belief. From an inquisitive little girl questioning her differences to a world champion, artist, and loving mother—her story is nothing short of miraculous.
Video : Don’t look at what I don’t have, see what I can do ❤️ Girl With Wings
Her ability to embrace motherhood, overcome challenges, and live a fulfilling life is an inspiration to all. Whether she is painting, competing, or caring for her child, she continues to prove that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
Dejana’s journey reminds us that true strength is not measured by physical abilities, but by the heart, resilience, and spirit of a person. She is not just an athlete, an artist, or a mother—she is a living testament to the power of perseverance and love.
Leave a Reply