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%.
Comments
Laurel Denney said:
I am so impressed with all the stories people have been strong enough to share. And I believe and what Beautiful Disaster is doing & I would really love to some way be a part of spreading this whole message
Missy kern said:
Stay strong n im so very proud of you beautiful disaster is everything i stand for n god only gives his strongest soldiers the impossible xoxoxoxox
Roseanne Brennan said:
That is so awesome and very expiring I have MS and this clothing line has brought me so much strength at times when I don’t even want to move forward I have two beautiful girls that need their mom 24/7 it’s a full-time job but my medication can cause cancer and now I have a black spot I’m so scared but I know I can do this I have to
Karen Chilton said:
I Pray and send Blessings of good health and for you both to be completely healed!
Lara Harman-Steverson said:
You are amazing, overcoming so much and at a young age. Reading this has encouraged me to think about my life and my struggles. At some point I will share my story when I feel I can. Keep on keeping on, you Beautiful Disaster.
Lots of love for you and your family.
Lani Meisch said:
I just love this brand, there is so much to be said about every theme, they all pretty much touch on life for most, some more than others. I appreciate and value mottos that mean something and support a cause. It’s personal for me.
Corrie Ralls said:
I understand her story so well I put off alot when I got pregnant at 22 and when my father passed away at age 51 I decided and promised him I would become my life long dream as a nurse. So after he passed I went back and honored my promise I graduated with my LPN the same year my daughter graduated kindergarten..here I set now almost the same age my dad was when he passed. I decided after all the years of abuse by my alcoholic husband I broke free and life may not be easy but I had to show my daughter how to stand up and never let a man control or hit u…now I wear this amazing brand to show everyone my story and how to hold your head up high and no one can beat u down.
Gail VanPolen said:
Kelly you are a brave warrior. I took note to everything you exspierenced and are praying your bravery to sustain you. Tribe Sista missgail
Christie said:
Needed to read this today. I’m still on the bottom of that ladder but its stories like this that give me a little kick in the bootay to stand up for myself. Its okay to not be okay! Its isn’t about the fall that matters (to my haters it is) its getting my ass back up yet another time. (although I’m feeling a little challenged) and prove not only them but myself wrong as well. I can do this. Thank you for the reminder!