The Western Way: Our Community Paying It Forward | Shriners

April is Limb Loss Awareness Month and we have partnered with Brianna @pretty.stumped to not only share her story but giveback to a great cause! From April 25th to the 30th, 2021, 100% of proceeds from our Kiddo Tee Collection sales will be donated to Shriners Hospital for Children. The support that the western community offers to each other is something special and we are thankful to have you a part of it! If you would prefer to make a direct donation to Shriners instead of purchasing a tee you may do so here.

Shop our Kiddo Tee Collection for Shriners HERE

Hey Y’all! I’m Brianna, The creator of @pretty.stumped- a style influencer and blogger located out of Portland, Oregon. I live out here with my husband and our two dogs, who are our babies. Whether we are traveling the world, riding our side x side or out fishing, our love for life never falls short of FUN!

I began modeling in 2019 and have continued to use my platform to inspire and motivate others to pursue all of their highest ambitions. Fun fact, I’m an amputee! But what you won’t find me doing is complaining about it. Instead, I take charge of any obstacle and fulfill my life with all things good. What disability? I only have the ability!

In the late 1980’s yours truly was brought into this world in Phoenix, AZ. Immediately the doctors took me into observation to find out what was wrong with me. I came out with only having 2 fingers on my left hand, which were fused together, and clearly there was something wrong with my left leg, but doctors did not know what the problem was. After x-rays and being checked out the doctors approached my parents letting them know that I was missing my fibula bone and that I would need to have my left foot amputated.

At 15 months old, my parents took me to Shriner’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah to have the surgery that would change my life forever. After a 16-hour surgery, the doctors successfully amputated my left foot and taking a toe from that foot and transferring it to my hand. The doctors separated my two fingers and added the toe so that I would have a total of 3 fingers and use for grip (I call it the claw). From here, my life became all things possible. I owe everything to Shriner’s. When it came to writing this blog, I reached out to my parents and asked them what Shriner's meant to them in one word and I couldn't agree more. They said, "Thankful & A Miracle" What Shriner's has done for me and so many children out there is amazing. They give children a life to live for. Their care, the people that work there, everything about them is amazing. I have always told myself that if I hit the lottery, immediately half of the winnings will go to them. 

Living with imperfections (but really, what is perfect?) has never stopped me. I will do and try everything. This is one thing I stand strong on and was raised to never ever let my “disability” stop me. The things that life throws at you should only make you stronger. The name calling or bullying, the men that didn’t find me attractive because of my hand and leg, has only made me the person I am today. Luckily, I found my soulmate who loves me for who I am. My best advice that I can give someone is NEVER GIVE UP. Take every single opportunity you can.

God made me the way I am, and I am thankful.

~

A special thank you to Brianna for giving her time and heart to share her story. 

Shop our Kiddo Tee Collection for Shriners HERE 

Thank you ~ Ryley & the entire Savannah Sevens Team