How StevoLuddy Uses TikTok to Further Pursue His Passion

Commonly known as “StevoLuddy,” UNC senior Stephen Ludwig has amassed over 1 million TikTok followers. However, his story stretches far beyond a screen. Stevo’s fight began at birth. 

Stevo was born with Maffuci’s disease, a bone disorder diagnosed less than 200 times within the last 150 years. Since the age of 3, he’s undergone countless surgeries, foughten off two forms of cancer, and beaten every odd imaginable. Today, Stevo plays a wide variety of sports (showcased on his TikTok) and has done everything that the world told him was impossible.

Maffucci’s primarily affects the human body through abnormal bone growth. In specificity, parts of his body’s lefthand side are shorter in comparison to those on his right, hence his “boot.” In the form of a large block attached to his left shoe’s sole, Stevo wears a special attachment to balance his body. While most assume the opposite, the boot allowed him to run, play basketball, and more. Unlike most diseases, there is no cure for Maffucci’s. While the effects can be lessened, his battle never stops. 

At the age of 3, he had his first surgery. At 6, he was diagnosed with AML leukemia and given an 11% chance of survival. Stevo cited sports as his motivation to keep going, noting that he fell in love with the mentality of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Although the doctors said he would never be able to walk, Stevo didn’t give up. At the age of 7, he defied all the odds, successfully fending off AML with a bone marrow transplant from his brother. Nicknamed “brothers day,” the pair celebrate the event every year.

After the marrow transplant, he developed complications that rendered him immuno-compromised. Once again, Stevo looked to sports as motivation. He noted that his father set up a Nerf mini hoop at the edge of his hospital bed during our talk. Whenever Stevo would sneeze out blood or cough something up, he’d attempt to shoot the crumpled tissue into the hoop with the little strength that his body could muster. Whether it be playing basketball from his bed, or baseball in the bathroom, he used sports to help him through his daily routine. 

At the age of 14, Stevo was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Once again, he thought of his idol Kobe Bryant. Using the “Mamba Mentality,” Stevo was able to persevere. Eventually, having his Thyroid gland removed, he became cancer-free once again. 

Stevo has always found joy in public speaking. He’s given talks at conferences, camps, and a plethora of other venues. Upon discovering TikTok, Stevo created another outlet to share his story. He stressed that while speaking allows him to talk about his journey, TikTok enables him to visualize it. He started posting videos with no intention of making it a career but became hooked after one of his videos received 2,000 views. While that number is minimal compared to the numbers that Stevo puts up today, he looks back on that event as the moment he knew that TikTok was going to be his primary channel.

His videos radiate an aura of positivity. He continuously makes response videos to questions about his condition, raising awareness about his experience. In addition, he posts clips of his basketball training, golf outings, and other physical excursions. Stevo noted that his TikTok following had enabled him to meet two people with Maffuci’s, which he described as “amazing.” 

While TikTok acts as a creative outlet, it’s also given Stevo a chance to step up his game. While his talks were stationed at relatively small venues, TikTok allows him to share his story with millions of internet users. He’s monetized the platform through brand deals and sponsorship campaigns but notes that the most important thing is staying true to yourself and your niche.

As Stephen Ludwig continues to grow his following, he acts as an inspiration for content creators and underdogs worldwide. Whether it be dominating a pickup basketball game, doing a trendy dance, or simply living everyday life, he inspires and thrives under unique circumstances.