Kelly's Story: Unbreakable Strength Through Every Storm.
What makes you a Beautiful Disaster?
No matter how bad things are going for me, I refuse to stop fighting.
Why do you identify with the Beautiful Disaster Brand?
I have always been self-conscious about my looks and size. Once I discovered the Beautiful Disaster Brand, I realized that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Tell us your Beautiful Disaster story.
I married young and decided to drop out of college to start a family. I had both my boys by the age of 22—I was still a kid myself raising kids. When our youngest was five months old, he had to have a heart transplant if he was going to make it to his first birthday. I had to grow up really fast, and the ordeal took its toll over the years, physically and emotionally. Although I knew there was nothing I could have done to prevent his illness, I blamed myself, thinking I was being punished for some reason.
After his transplant, I had a form of survivor’s guilt because, while hoping and praying for a heart to save my son, I felt like I was hoping someone would die. I understand that’s not how it happened, but sometimes, even now, I feel the same way. Years passed, and in 2010, we had a scare—we thought he was going to need another heart due to severe rejection. Those feelings of guilt came back full force. Thankfully, he made it through and didn’t need another heart.
My kids are now grown, and everything seemed to be going well, or so I thought. A year and a half ago, I was given what felt like a death sentence when I was diagnosed with lupus. I have always taken care of everyone, but how can I do that now that I am sick? Shortly after my diagnosis, my son went into kidney failure due to all the medications from his heart transplant, and now we are looking for a living kidney donor to save his life—yet again. My world has completely fallen apart. I truly believed I was being punished.
What happened for you to turn it around?
After a very long conversation with my mom, who has always been my rock, she made me realize that no matter what happens in life, if you have faith, you can get through anything.
Name 3 things you’ve done to move closer to happiness.
After the heart transplant, I decided to dedicate my life to caring for others. Someone was selfless enough to save my son while grieving the loss of theirs, so I needed to give back. I have now spent 26 years in healthcare...and counting.
I have also learned to take time for myself. I can’t take care of others if I am sick.
My biggest accomplishment, other than my kids, happened on June 1, 2024. Just two days after my 50th birthday, I walked across the stage to get my Associate’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. I never thought I would have another chance at college after dropping out 28 years ago, but I kicked ass, finishing with a 4.0 GPA.
**FYI: For my marketing class, we had to do a marketing project on our favorite company. I chose Beautiful Disaster and convinced at least 75% of my classmates to give you a try!**
What is your favorite Beautiful Disaster collection, past or present, and why?
I don’t really have a favorite collection because I love them all, but my very first purchase from Beautiful Disaster was a T-shirt that said, "What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger." I believe that 100%.