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Source: Noah Graham / Getty

There’s a meme going around, on Instagram, of a gaunt man who bears a striking resemblance to NBA star Steph Curry. Don’t share it.

The man in the photo, Leon Mitchell, isn’t ashamed of his sickly appearance. In fact, he proudly showcases it to the world as a reminder that he is a cancer survivor. Mitchell has struggled with his physical appearance after battling intense cancer treatment that ravished his body.

Mitchell took to Instagram to combat the cyber bullying and clear his name. He is a “father, husband, survivor, mentor, community advocate, and positive motivational speaker,” who beat the devastating disease and uses his platform to encourage others.

“I am strong enough to endure these attacks after years of rebuilding,” he wrote in an inspiring Instagram post in response to the insensitive meme. “However as we look at the power story I explain, let’s remember these types of social media attacks on people can be massively detrimental to some who still battle with insecurities and uncomfortability with themselves and their battles. If we are going to allow something like this go viral Let’s do it for the right reasons!’

It’s understood people may not have known Mitchell’s backstory, but that’s all the more reason to think twice about sharing his photo for a quick laugh.

Lil’ Mama endured a similar incident, where her tearful photo was being used as a meme. Little did the Internet know, the root of the photo was an emotional confession about her mother’s death. Not so funny is it?

We must be more respectful of others personal property on social media, because you never know someone’s story.

Support Mitchell’s clothing line at Knoeclothing.com.

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