Who doesn't love a vacation abroad? The chance to completely relax, let your hair down and forget about all the stresses of modern-day life.

That being said, traveling as a taller lady can be a challenge to say the least. Even someone of average height can struggle to spend hours in a cramped and confined airplane for hours on end without feeling the strain. However, for those that are blessed with height, it can be a complete nightmare.

From sweet-talking your way to a much-coveted seat in the emergency exit row and paying the price for a premium seat to utilizing lumbar support, keep reading to discover how you can enjoy a vacation abroad as a tall traveler.

Don't worry; it won't cost you the earth!

Secure the exit row

As a tall woman traveling on an airplane, there is one thing that you covet above all else. No, not immediate access to the duty-free cart – although that comes a close second. What you really want is a seat on the emergency exit row. Of course, an aisle seat in this spacious area is preferable, but even a middle seat has its advantages. Certainly, this option is better than the cramped, no leg room offerings on the rest of the plane.

How to secure this perfect seat?

You have three chances. Sweet talk the person at the check-in desk, beg the agent at the gate, or take your chances when boarding and hope for a sympathetic air host or hostess. Remember, the later you leave it, the less chance you have of success.

Choose a vacation brand who cares

You may think that picking the cheapest vacation provider on the market is your best bet for an affordable and hassle-free trip. However, as a tall woman, you may want to enlist the help of a vacation brand that is ready to go the extra mile to ensure that your break is as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Plus, you don't want to have to pay extra for the privilege.

Fortunately, by taking advantage of an Apple Vacations promo code, you can ensure that your next vacation is accessible, affordable, and amazing.

What more could you want for your next dream destination vacation?

Love lumbar support

Is there anything worse than suffering back and neck ache when on a long haul flight?Thankfully, high-quality lumbar support goes a long way to make your journey more bearable, and even, dare you say it, comfortable.
You can choose to purchase an inflatable lumbar support pillow ahead of your journey, or, if you forget, you can utilize a large water bottle and a blanket. Simply, fill your bottle to the halfway mark and then wrap tightly in a blanket. Then place your bottle against your lower back and wait for the magic to happen.

It may feel uncomfortable at first, but rest assured it will work wonders over the hours that you are sat in a highly restrictive airplane seat.

Not so long ago, small dogs became a fashion statement. The little ones you could practically fit into your handbag! However, as a tall woman, a small dog, although cute, could be more challenging to walk unless you have a long leash.

So, if you're looking for a tall breed to add to your family, and want a loving and friendly companion, check out these breeds to see which one might fit your lifestyle.

1. Great Dane

One of the larger dog breeds that most people think about if they want a tall dog is a Great Dane. This type of dog requires someone tall to match their commanding presence. However, they are also known to have a soft nature, but their energy levels are also as big as their stature. This dog's larger size could mean some hefty food and vet bills, so considering this is vital when opting for this dog. They often respond well to training and love being by your side, and using treats for the basics such as these from ceebeedoo.com is an excellent option for useful training techniques.

2. Saint Bernard

This big dog is known to have a big heart and often make great family pets due to their loving nature. This dog loves being close to you and is typically not fond of being left alone for long periods. They have a chilled vibe, and they make a great addition to a big family, as they love attention. Their size means that food bills are higher, and you'll also want to consider where they sleep, as this space will have to accommodate their weight and size.

3. Newfoundland

Another large breed is the Newfoundland. This breed is very loyal, although they are sometimes shy, which means they make take a while to get to know others. Of course, if you also live somewhere cold and snowy, this is the perfect dog, as it's their natural habitat. Newfoundlands can fit perfectly into your family dynamic, but like most pets don't like to be left for too long, as they'll miss you. The breed is also known as the 'gentle giant,' and they love swimming. This dog has webbed feet and a thick and water-resistant coat, and its strength makes them a strong and confident swimmer.

4. Irish Wolfhound

Another tall dog that is an ideal family pet is the Irish Wolfhound. This breed tends to be great with people and other dogs, although they have a high prey instinct, so keeping a handle on the leash is vital if a squirrel decides to taunt them in the park. Unlike other large dog breeds that drool a lot, the Irish Wolfhound drools less, and they are usually pretty quiet dogs for their size.

There are so many tall and larger dogs that tall owners will love. Some other examples include Great Pyrenees and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Most big dogs have equally big hearts and are the perfect addition to your family.

5 Surprising Things You Never Knew About Allison Janney (She Wanted to Be a Figure Skater!)

MIKE MILLER December 07, 2017 11:39 AM

With over 100 acting credits to her name and nearly 60 major award show nominations, Allison Janney is one of the most beloved and acclaimed actresses working today.

She’s made memorable appearances in classic films like American Beauty and Finding Nemo, and became a household name starring press secretary C.J. Craig on The West Wing. She’s also won awards for her work on CBS’s Mom alongside Anna Faris.

Now, Janney, 58, is earning major Oscar buzz for her role as U.S. figure skater Tonya Harding’s abusive mother LaVona Golden in the upcoming film I, Tonya, which details the skater’s career and 1994 attack on Nancy Kerrigan that got Harding banned for life from figure skating.

Here are five things to know about the star:

1. She’s won a TON of Emmys.

Seven to be exact, out of a whopping 13 nominations. She’s even won two Emmys for two different shows in the same year. Janney was nominated for The West Wing six times from 2000 to 2006, winning four. She’s received four nominations for Mom and three for playing Margaret Scully in Showtimes’s Masters of Sex. She’s also been nominated for 5 Golden Globes and 15 Screen Actors Guild Awards, winning six.

2. She’s fiercely loyal to Anna Faris.

Janney and her Mom onscreen daughter are tight onscreen and off. Speaking about how they support one another through good times and bad, Janney previously told PEOPLE, “We are a family there.” The actress was one of Faris’s most loyal confidants during her split with Chris Pratt. When the cameras aren’t rolling, Janney said the two are “hanging out at Stage 20 and gossiping and getting through the bumps in life.”

3. She’s really, really tall.

“I say I’m 5 feet 12 inches,” Janney told NPR in 2014.

“I’m definitely 6 feet. In my heels I’m 6 feet 3 inches,” she added. When she was a kid, Janney said, “I was always sort of a late bloomer in a lot of things … I felt like my career started late and I think it was because of my height — and maybe some of my confidence issues.”

Being the tallest woman in the room had its drawbacks. “I was playing 40-year-old women when I was 20. I didn’t get considered for ingenue roles,” she explained.

But having a head on the competition also had some positive effects. “[My height] also helped me in certain parts. It’s made me definitely more of a character actress in terms of my love of doing comedy. I get cast as either the smartest woman in the room or the drunkest woman in the room, and a lot of stuff in between,” she said.

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Rachel Watkins, June 09, 2016

If you get asked on the daily (a) if you play basketball; (b) if you’re a model; (c) how tall are you; or (d) all of the above, you’re likely around the 5’10” mark (or taller) and officially part of the tall woman club.

Short girls are enviable of your runway proportions - even if sometimes you feel like you’d trade all those slam-dunk-ready inches in a heartbeat, just to find a date who’s not intimidated by your statuesque silhouette.

However, when it comes to tall woman style, you do have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to the fashion playground. That height provides much bandwidth for you to get away with a number of style-forward trends and avant-garde looks that are much harder for the shorter set to pull off — everything from statement coats to harem pants to thigh-high boots. And, yes, you can wear heels - perhaps stay away from the skyscraper six-inch heels on most occasions, but a moderate four-inch heel is fine. But it’s not all a free fashion ride.

Just because you have model height doesn’t mean that the fashion world is completely your oyster. There are a few things that the taller set should watch out for when getting dressed.

1. Bum-boasting bottoms

Shorts and skirts that cover your butt should be a no-brainer, but we’d be remiss to at least not point out the obvious. It can be quite difficult to find appropriate versions of these pieces when you’re on the taller side.

After all, Daisy Dukes and cutoffs can quickly take on all-new, extra-cheeky meaning for those of a more statuesque frame. If the bum is seeing way too much of the light of day, you simply cannot wear those shorts or the skirt. Keep searching for the right fit; and the chic level of your street-style cred will go up in spades.

2. Short frocks aka faux shirts

The cute, feminine mini-dresses that the shorter gals effortlessly flaunt are also in the no-wear land. After all, they generally end up looking like a short tunic or, even worse, a shrunken baby-doll dress, or quite possibly even worse, an ice skating costume. You’ve likely had this experience at Forever 21. A general rule of thumb is this: If you cannot raise your arms or bend over without flashing the world (or if you look like your wearing your younger sister’s clothes), you simply cannot put it on for public consumption. And, no matter how much you like that frock, don’t try to pass it off as a shirt and pair it with leggings. Everyone knows it’s a dress, and that it’s too short, and that you’re still wearing it anyway - and that you really shouldn’t be.

3. High waters

Finding jeans and pants that actually hit below the ankles can be like finding a needle in a haystack when you have legs for days. Even so, you must continue the quest, especially if you plan on pairing them with heels. The standard 30” and 32” inseams will never work for you, so look for the brands that have 34” or longer. Many labels are now offering denim, leggings, and trousers specifically tailored to the extra-tall set. One thing to note: Some trendsetting denim brands are offering intentional “high water” style jeans, so this is a rule that comes with a case-by-case caveat.

However, a good tip with denim is to opt for the skinny styles where you can get away with a cropped bottom that doesn’t cover your ankles or your shoes (whether it’s intentional or not!). As for suits, a good tailor can be your best friend to get the right hemline.

4. Short sleeves

No, don’t worry … We’re not telling you not to wear short sleeves as in a short-sleeved top or dress. But, we are saying that you shouldn’t wear long sleeves that are too short for your arms. It’s a common problem in the land of the tall people who have longer limbs. Finding blazers and jackets, even sweaters, that reach past the wrist can be just as hard as avoiding those aforementioned high waters. But it is advisable to skip any separates that look like they shrunk in the dryer - although, in a pinch, you can make the best of the situation by rolling up your sleeves even more to a three-quarter length to hide the otherwise awkward fit.

5. Vertical stripes

Vertical stripes have an elongating effect; they’re a go-to wardrobe trick to add height to a shorter frame. So, it’s not so much that you cannot wear them if you’re tall, it’s more that you really don’t need to. Leave that benefit of a silhouette-lengthening illusion to those who are more vertically challenged, and embrace your own intrinsic ability to delve into a world of other brightly hued geometric prints and patterns. If you do opt to go vertical, stripes that are wide and wider set can be a good option to properly work the trend for your height.

Follow Rachel on Twitter @rachellw and Instagram @rachellwatkins

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5'10" Pauline writes

I am a Veteran. I have served 3 1/2 years of active reserve duty, and am still serving in the United States Air Force Reserves. I joined the military when my 9.5 year old son, was only 2. I am grateful that I have a supportive husband, family, and friends, who make serving my country a little easier. Recently, a friend suggested that I compete for Ms. Veteran America 2015, and since I couldn't find a good enough excuse, as to why I shouldn't, I researched the competition and what I discovered was AMAZING. Ms. Veteran America isn't a pageant. It is a way to acknowledge that women veterans aren't just their uniform, but most importantly, it provides a platform to bring awareness and financial resources to support homeless veteran women and their children. It is a way for women like me, with a voice for the voiceless, to help raise money for a worthy cause.

I know what she looks like, because at one point, this was my biological mother. She had made some choices and because of the lack of rehabilitation efforts, both she and my father found themselves living in cardboard boxes in abandoned buildings. Thankfully, that is one part of her story, and today she has a remarkable testimony.

Final Salute says it right: It is "unacceptable"!! Homeless woman veteran, should not be in the same sentence. These women have served their country, protecting the very freedom, so many take for granted. No, it doesn't make sense and you have an opportunity to do something about it.

So in case you couldn't tell, I submitted my registration and am now an official Ms. Veteran 2015 contestant, and just a click away from raising money to support women, who could be your sister, friend, or mother. Please give whatever you have (no amount too small) to get these veteran women the resources they need to get back on their feet. Thank you in advance! :)

Joerg adds: Pauline was Tall Woman of the Month for November of 2008

Visit her CrowdRise Page

Mel Walker JUL 28, 2020 2:50 AM PDT

It seems that hell has frozen over because rapper 50 Cent has decided to issue a public apology to a black woman after he mocked her for getting shot on both feet.

50 Cent, who only has love for exotic females, took to Instagram where he posted a lengthy mea culpa to femcee Megan Thee Stallion.

Recently, 50 shocked people for posting a mean and insensitive meme that made light of the Texan's shooting.

He wrote: "Damn, I didn't think this sh*t was real. It sounded so crazy @theestallion I'm glad your feeling better, and I hope you can accept my apology. I posted a meme that was floating around. I wouldn't have done that if I knew you were really hurt, sorry."

The post from 50 came just hours after Megan addressed the shooting incident in a video where she said: “I was shot in both of my feet. I had to get surgery to get the bullets taken out. It was super scary. Oh Lord, I didn’t think I was going to cry. I had to get surgery. It was super scary. It was just the worst experience of my life."

One fan replied: "No one ever understands the pain of losing a mother until you actually lose your mother. It is the most painful experience, and literally, it cannot be described. Praying for you Megan."

Another commenter had this reaction: "I actually appreciate this because 50 Cent doesn’t apologize to anyone. So this is a start. I’m sorry for those all who have to experience this main I really am. I pray for God’s healing and comfort to you all… man man man.” This follower stated: “He thought it was okay to joke about the situation, because meg is a TALL BLACK WOMAN. Men think tall women are mannish and don’t need protection from being violated! Period!"

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Being a woman is hard. Being a woman who, in any significant way, deviates from the norm of what is considered "beautiful" or "feminine" is harder. And one of the more common deviations from the ideal of femininity is being very tall, particularly when you're not model-thin. We've all seen very tall girls hunched over, pulling awkwardly at their clothes, or generally looking hyper-aware of the fact that they're taller than most of the guys around them – and hyper-aware that most of the guys probably aren't comfortable with it.

To learn more about what beauty means to tall girls, I spoke with my friend Cara* – who, at just around 6'1", fluctuates between a 10 and 12 US dress size – about the realities of living in her body. I asked her six big questions about beauty and femininity, and got some brutal truths in response.

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While being tall is seen as an advantage in the world of fashion and runway models, in real life, it can seem that the majority of off-the-rack clothes simply aren’t made for taller than average families. From pants and coats to dresses, finding stylish garments which flatter your figure can be a challenge whatever your age, but there are some tips and tricks which can help. The key is knowing which styles and combinations will balance your proportions and highlight your best features while still providing comfort. To help you, here are six tall style tips for the whole family.

1. Balance is key

There should always be a balance to your outfit, so if you’re wearing a flowy skirt or wide-leg pants, your top should be fitted, and if you’re wearing an oversized shirt your pants should be fitted. This enables you to play with the proportions so you can accentuate the parts of your body you want people to notice.

2. Give your waist definition

Being long-legged is a great advantage in many areas of life, even if children and teenagers may have to spend a few years towering over their friends. Eventually, however, we all learn to love our long legs, and the best way to draw attention to them is to accentuate the waist with a belt. For slim women, this can also create the impression of curves. Men and boys should opt for belts to add definition to their waist rather than suspenders which will elongate the torso.

3. Embrace layering

Wearing more layers will give you both depth and dimension, which is perfect for slim or average builds. It will also add more variety and interest to your outfit which draws the eye across and down rather than up. Buying a range of varied by coordinating garments will also give you more versatility and flexibility throughout the seasons.

4. Double-breasted coats

In terms of coat styles (for women, men or children), tall people and those with broader shoulders have enough height to be able to carry off double-breasted jackets such as duffle and peacoats from Gloverall. You will look and feel incredibly stylish wearing one, and because they are perfect for both casual and formal wear, you can wear it as often as you want.

5. Be bold with shoes

You can draw attention away from your height by wearing bold and quirky shoes which will draw the eye down. Some taller people will wear dark and simple shoes to hide the fact that they have large feet, but this can make you appear even longer. Bear in mind that your shoes should tie in with the rest of your outfit or they may look too jarring.

6. Eye-catching accessories

Accessories which draw the eye are great for tall people such as necklaces or neckties. Don’t be afraid to add some color to your outfit with accessories such as scarves and hats. Men should opt for ties with extra length so that they can still tie them in a traditional way and retain enough length. In addition, wearing long socks can be a great way to avoid showing skin when pants ride up, which will make them appear to be ill-fitting.

6 Things That Only Tall Girls Understand About Fashion

By Sophia Chabbott

Have you ever wished there was a "long-limbed" section at your favorite store? If you're 5'7" or above, we'd be willing to bet that the thought has crossed your mind. True, some brands have embraced tall sizes for clothing categories like jeans - Topshop and ASOS, for example - the fact is that shopping for items that suit a tall frame can be a real challenge. On the other hand, it does havesomebenefits.

To all you tall girls out there: We get you. We really do.

1. You Have Learned to Love Your Ankles: You love a cropped pair of trousers as much as the next girl, but let's face it: The majority of your pants are ankle-length. Clamdiggers? Forget about it. They're practically short shorts when you're super tall. The good news is that cropped pants look seriously cute with loafers or ballet flats. (Thanks for the inspo, Audrey!)
2. You're a Master of Proportion Problems: Pants aren't the only items that come up short: Sleeves often look doll-size, and shirts sometimes can't even be tucked in. Then there are the midi skirts that fall at the knee, rather than midcalf. You've learned to eyeball items with the proper length and balance proportions with aplomb.
3. You Own the Shoe Sales: While most women crowd around the size 7 and 8 racks, there's no pushing or shoving on your side of the shoe floor—near the 9, 10, 11, and sometimes size 12 racks. Plus, your racks have thebestselect left. Those limited-edition designer heels? Yep, they're still available in a European size 40. The world of discounted footwear is your oyster.
4. You Have Boyfriend Blazers, Literally: Those boxy, oversize boyfriend blazers that everyone's wearing? Yeah, they hit too high on your hips. Instead, you shop in the men's section or even ask your boyfriend (or just guy friend!) to borrow one of his killer jackets. Sorry, no backsies.
5. You Can Wear Flats 99 Percent of the Time: Sure, flats are for everyone, but you can even get away with a pair of flat gladiators or ankle boots for a dressy night on the town. Yes, you're also the envy of all the other women scrunching their toes into six-inch stilettos. (Ouch!)
6. Maxidresses Are Your Jam: Eureka! No need to shorten a flowy summer maxidress. Just throw on a pair of flat sandals and you're out the door and looking chic.

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6 Ways Being Tall Impacts Your Health

From heart disease to a high IQ, being vertically gifted affects your health in a slew of different ways

By Macaela MacKenzie

When you were a kid, being vertically gifted when everyone else was still a shrimp got you called a bean pole on the playground. Luckily, as an adult, it likens you to sky-high ladies like Karlie Kloss and Gisele Bundchen. But being tall affects more than just the names you got called and whether you want to wear heels on a date—it actually has an impact on your disease risk and brain health. Check out these six ways having legs for days impacts your well-being.

1. You could be at an increased risk of cancer. A new study from Sweden found that the taller you are, the higher your risk for cancer is. In fact, researchers discovered that if two people have the exact same risk for cancer (based on genetics and lifestyle), the taller person is 18 percent more likely to develop cancer for every 10 centimeters (roughly four inches) they have on their friend. Additionally, leggy ladies were 30 percent more likely to develop skin cancer and 20 percent more likely to develop breast cancer. Whoa! Researchers, haven't identified why extra inches could lead to the extra risk, but their best guess is that the more cells and tissue you have, the more likely it is that some of those cells will develop abnormally and become cancerous.

Besides breast and skin cancer, tall women also have a slightly heightened risk of ovarian cancer (about three percent). Even though this is slight, ovarian cancer is a silent killer, so tall ladies need to be extra good about regular ob-gyn appointments (find out Why No One Is Talking About Ovarian Cancer).

2. Height does your heart good and bad. According to a 2014 study from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, taller people have a increased risk of certain heart issues like atrial fibrillation and valve disease. However, the researchers also found that other conditions like congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease are actually less common for those with a higher reach. What gives? The hypothesis is two fold: For the perks, researchers think smaller people have smaller valves that may simply clog more easily. In cases where height hinders heart health, though, scientists are currently looking at growth hormones for an explanation. One guess is that a hormone that makes people statuesque also makes them susceptible to heart problems.

3. Tall ladies tend to live shorter lives. According to research from the University of Hawai'i, there's a certain gene, dubbed "the longevity gene," that not only lengthens your lifespan but also shortens your stature. Unfortunately, the taller you are, the shorter you're likely to live. And the reverse is true for short folks—those below 5 foot 2 inches lived the longest.

4. Vertical inches could slash diabetes risk. A meta analysis of 18 studiespublished by the journal Obesity Reviews found the taller a woman is, the less likely she is to develop type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, the correlation didn't hold true for men who had a similar risk no matter their height, although researchers aren't quite sure why. (No matter your stature, keep an eye out for these 7 Silent Symptoms of Pre-Diabetes.)

5. Dementia could be more common in short gals. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland found that women who were 5-foot-1 had a 35 percent higher risk of dementia than ladies who were 5-foot-4 or above. Pardon the pun, but that's pretty mind-blowing. So what's the deal with dementia and size? According to the researchers, being super short cane sometimes be the product of developmental difficulties in childhood like stress or poor nutrition, which are also risk factors for dementia.

6. The leggy ladies could be smarter. Being tall may have other brain benefits too: According to another University of Edinburgh study, researchers found taller people have slightly higher IQs. Previous research had found not-very-shocking family connections (tall, smart parents tend to produce tall, smart kids) but this is the first study to find the same correlation in people who don't share DNA. Let's hear it for the vertically-gifted gals! (Not vertically gifted? Try these 10 Easy Ways to Get Smarter—Stat.)

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Snow fights cancer

Jason Werling • Updated Yesterday at 10:29 AM

About a month ago, Heather Snow bit her tongue. For someone who rarely holds back as a comedian and writer, this was not of the speaking variety. She really bit her tongue. 

The next day her tongue was swollen to the point where she couldn’t talk. Her visit to a Denver emergency room and several tests answered the question of the overly swollen tongue and why Snow was lacking energy for several months.

Heather was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Luekemia (AML), a treatable form of blood cancer.

Heather, a 1998 Perkins High School graduate, was active in various clubs, marching band as Pirette’s captain and competed on the swimming and track teams. After graduating from Penn State University she landed in Colorado where she is a stand-up comedian, writer and tech professional.

Her parents relocated to Colorado to help their daughter. Crystal Allen, Heather’s friend and photographer, scheduled a hospital room photo shoot to document the six feet tall woman’s new look.

Her sense of humor has helped her fight the disease and her writing has helped anyone who reads her blogs better understand the disease and everything involved with fighting it.

Snow and her friends (when she is too sick) have written updates every step of the way. Heather finds out she has cancer: Blog. Heather plans on a mohawk before her hair falls out: Blog. Skin rash from the chemotherapy:  Blog. Heather finds out her brother is a match for a transplant: Blog.

Many people still need matches, go to bethematch.org to see if you can help.

“It's mind blowing to me how little people know about how big of a difference they can make by getting on the donor list.” said Snow”

Read her blog at sixfeetofsnow.com and more updates at https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/m95b/six-feet-of-leukemia-heather-snow-family-fund. Heather’s friends have set up an account to help with expenses. Any excess funds will be donated to Leukemia/Lymphoma research.

The Perkins High School Class of 1998 will be selling T-shirts at the Perkins football game this Friday night against Tiffin Columbian to raise money for Heather. Donations are accepted as well. The class will be set up just inside the entrance to the main gate. Afterwards they will have shirts at Cloud 9 Bridal while supplies last.

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'I'm really proud of who I have become': Nearly 7-foot-tall Regina woman embraces positive thinking 

'Be kind to your body, because it's the only one you are going to get'

Nichole Huck · CBC News · Posted: Apr 30, 2018 6:00 AM CT | Last Updated: April 30

Miranda Weber has always had to deal with high expectations. At six feet 11-and-a-half inches, the 18 year old from Regina is the tallest of a very tall family. Her grandfather and mother both stood six feet eight inches tall. Her uncle is six-foot-ten. 

Miranda's mother Kathy says she always knew her daughter was destined for great heights. "She was never going to be a point guard or a setter, she was destined to be someone who had stature," she said. A doctor had once predicted Weber would peak at five-foot-nine, then it was changed to six-foot-five. "Here I am," Miranda said with a laugh. 

Early expectations

In Elementary school Miranda stood six to eight inches taller than her classmates. "In grade three I was the size of a seventh grader," she said. 

Know who you are and be kind to your body because it's the only one you are going to get - Miranda Weber

That additional stature brought heightened expectations from adults. "She'd be playing at the playground and someone would come over and say she's too big for that. People would expect her to act older than her age," Kathy said. 

Miranda became accustomed to the tell-tale tingle in her legs, a sign that she was about to have another growth spurt. "I would be very clumsy and unbalanced, think of it as being on a pair of stilts," Miranda said. 

She has used her height to her advantage for volleyball. She played with the Saskatchewan Renegades volleyball team. Now she is studying kinesiology at the University of Regina with the hopes of one day becoming a sport psychologist.

Following in her mother's big footsteps 

Kathy smiles as she listens to her daughter talk about wearing cowgirl boots to her graduation ceremony. For Kathy it's a sign of confidence, something she herself has worked hard to develop.

"Thankfully I've embraced being a tall woman. I'm really proud of who I have become and I'm able to showcase that with my daughter," Kathy said.

That confidence shines through in the advice Miranda offers to other young women. 

"Believe in yourself, know your talents, know who you are and be kind to your body, because it's the only one you are going to get."

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MODEL MONDAY: Taylor Rhoden Takes Her Confidence To New Heights Despite Being Told She Was "Too Tall" To Model

Keyaira Boone @pennedbykeyaira - Posted 13 hours ago

Name: Taylor Rhoden

IG: tall.tay

Agency: Bridge Models

Claim to Fame: Rhoden won an international modeling competition with lingerie and swimwear brand Curvy Kate.

In the minds of most people "model" translates to tall beautiful woman and Taylor Rhoden was among them when she entered the industry. But possessing one of the most important assets in the industry ironically threatened to restrict the beauty's career. In an exclusive interview the international model spoke to HelloBeautiful about breaking into modeling, loving her body's uniqueness, and being told she was "too tall" to model.

"To be completely transparent the modeling industry isn't all that I thought it would be," said Rhoden, who recently quit her full-time job to pursue her career. "I've had some great experiences. I've gotten to walk in fashion shows. I've gotten to work with great clients but one thing that's always kind of hindered me which sounds crazy is being too tall," she revealed. "I think the general population thinks that for models you have to be real tall and like the taller the better, you know. I'm 6'2 and that's honestly difficult for the modeling industry." The height of a runway model without heels usually caps out at just under 6 feet tall. Rhoden pointed out that most models she encounters are, "5'9 ,5'10 and once they put on their heels their 6 feet or whatever."

"So being flat footed 6'2 has always been a barrier for me," she continued, adding that, "it's something that I'm still trying to break through."

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CHAPTER 1: The bitter reality of the normal distribution curve.

I've always thought that the best one wins! In any case, in any setting. So the more qualified you are, attractive, intelligent, kind, honest, rational etc…the more you are likely to have a better life. 

I WAS WRONG! 

The case is that the more common, ordinary and non exceptional you are the more you are likely to have a peaceful, happy and harmonious life!!!

Its as simple as that: Majority wins! So lets say that we have a group of 999 idiots and 1 intelligent person who vote for a matter. What gets decided? I think you already know the answer: The stupidest solution! Statistically proven!

All my life I have struggled to be the best or at least among the best in what I'm doing. People who have known me over my life course know that. They have seen it, they have sensed it. Of course I had failures, big ones indeed… It's human nature, you can't always be successful but that's not the case. It's the underlying behavioral pattern that matters. Its your cosmic theory, the way you were brought up … It's this adrenaline rush I get when I feel that I have achieved something. It makes you feel alive… At least certain people…

I have never thought, though that I belong somewhere, this feeling of security and comfort… Because I didn't… I have always expected an attack, verbal, practical …something to put me out of rest. Several times I have asked my self: What am I doing to deserve this? Aren't I honest, intelligent, good-looking, hardworking etc enough. What am I missing? The answer is that I am not like all the rest. I am not average.

According to psychological research methods outliers are eliminated from the normal distribution curve. It really doesn't matter whether you are really bad or good as long as you are not average….

CHAPTER 2: Human dynamics…

This article is directed to tall females in their childhood and adolescent years. The truth though is that all the statements made here are not only applied to height but to any other characteristic - physical or not - that distinguishes a person from the rest.

Ever since I could remember myself I was head a taller than all the rest. Subconsciously - what does a child know…. - it gave me a feeling of pride but I was always conscious that I was different that all the other kids. What really made me doubt my self is this psychological war that was directed towards me while growing up. They just couldn't accept the fact that I was different. You do become brainwashed!!!! It is really tragic how your rationality can turn against you. "If everybody says that and I am not then in all probability they are right and I am wrong" is what rationally you would think. 

That is not the case: People would support what is more convenient to them, according to their interests. And if most people are average, statistically speaking you are about to be found in the small range that is isolated. 

Over the years I have read many biographies… Everybody thought that Einstein was crazy…and he was the most intelligent man in the world……. Claudia Schiffer confessed that all her life was slouching because she was the tallest kid in the school….. and that was the primary characteristic that led her to become a supermodel! Mozart was attacked all his life my someone who was…. simply average, Salieri (excuse my incorrect spelling)….. and was led to death.

All these exceptional people had really hard lifes. They were paying the price of being different.

Apply that to your everyday life: Who sells the biggest number or records, wins in reality shows? Certainly not the most gifted. Who is the most popular girl at school? Certainly not the tallest, most beautiful, best student, creative, humorous or generous.

The answer is the one to whom most others can relate or can benefit from.That is truly the answer. All your qualities no matter how exceptional they are, are indifferent to others if they don't see themselves related somehow to them.

The same principle is applied to friendships. How many times were you bitter about the way you were treated when you have been so good to others? Those people simply weren't the same kind of people as you ,so don't expect to get treated accordingly. 

CHAPTER 3: The lost femininity

With men things are even more complicated. If you do think that things have changed much since the 50's the you are wrong.Legally yes,mentally very little. It took me a while to accept it my self. My mum says that God gave to males strength and to females brains. I still can't accept the fact how men think.That's probably the reason I have never been popular with them. I have always tried to upgrade myself in order to be able to claim more from relationships.The more I did the worse I made things for me….. Do you know why? 

• Because I got stressed and I stressed others as well(Stress is contagious!)

• I got better and I was not easily accessible. 

• I was respectful and others thought I was snobbish.

That's it! I do know you have the best intentions, BUT WHO CARES? If you want to get results you should talk to the other person's language. And if the other person's language is not very sophisticated then either you have to downgrade yours or…. simply not expect anything from them, abandon them no matter how painful that is. I know this angers you….. I had my piece of frustration as well… I have recovered from most of my anger over time…. I think I have…. In fact I was furious….. It still gets to me… I encourage you to read Marian's must read article "I won. I am sorry!". 

Many friends of mine who are men say that this is not true, they just don't have the time to deal with women who pretend to be sophisticated. I think this is an excuse. A truly sophisticated woman doesn't have to pretend to be anything. 

I am probably the biggest fan of the male role: In fact I would love to have a man who is a leader,strong and tender towards me. A stronger man? Why not… The point is how many men really adhere to the male role? From my experience and what my friends say, noone … In fact most women I know are the head of the family as they are the ones who really deal with the financial matters and do all the work. Only on the outside men look as if they are the ones who take up responsibility, who go to pay the bill. 

I have heard it from a friend of mine: "Whenever I wanted a man I had to fight for him. They simply wouldn't take the initiative to be straightforward with me". With a very tall woman, things are even worse… Men are so intimidated they would never admit it. I have abandoned my feminine identity years ago, simply because I was led to. I could see in they eyes that I threatened them somehow… Some have even admitted that they would never have approached me if I hadn't talked to them first. I cannot change my physique so at the end of their day it their problem. Don't think that things are different with tall men. In fact things are worse. Tall men are probably most threatened by a very tall woman simply because they are used at looking down at women. Combine that with the sense of masculinity that every man has to boost his ego and there is not chance that they will go after a tall woman. They are doubly threatened. Small women are convenient to them and boost their sense of superiority. I am speaking from experience… you have seen it yourselves: It's always a tall man with a short woman. Many of them have the hang ups that were created to them because of teasing in their younger years… Therefore they don't want to double the effect they are causing by dating someone very tall like themselves.

I am so honored to have been crowned Miss Tall NYC 2017 on May 5, 2017, in Manhattan by the Tall Club of New York City ! I am excited and proud to be representing New York City while competing in the  Miss Tall International 2017 Pageant this July 3 - 5 during the Tall Club International Annual Convention July 3 - 9, 2017, in Portland, Oregon . I am asking for your help to be able to compete in the Miss Tall International Pageant and to send a Founding & current Board Member of Tall Club of NYC, 6'3" Nashwa Shalaby! along with me to represent tall women, our tall city, and the tall Northeast Coast, as we gather with our tall international brothers and sisters in Portland, Oregon. 

As measured by Guinness Book of World Records, I am in the category of 10th Tallest Woman in the World and the World's Tallest Female Comedian. I aim for every man, woman and child on the planet to see me, a Samoan-Celtic American female, born of the High Chiefs of Samoa, the Black Douglas of the Scots, the Red Adairs of the Irish; I am the great great great grandaughter of Margaux Constantine - a French pirate & John Marshall - 1st Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court, the only to also serve as U.S. Secretary of State. 

As a woman at  6' 5-1/2" barefoot at the beach, 6'7" in sneakers on the courts, 6'8" in cowboy boots, 6'9" in drag queen heels, 280 lbs, 11 years of college, born of free nations, chiefs, pirates, immigrants, statesmen, veterans, fisherfolk, factory workers, secretaries,  nurses and miners, couldn't we, once and for all, be rid of the idea that women are the weaker sex? 100% of humans come from women.

Join us in promoting positive facts about tall women, about all women.  In my year's reign as Miss Tall NYC 2017, I am linking with empowering movements everywhere - in schools, neighborhood groups, businesses, municipalities - in recognizing and promoting women and girls, of all shapes, colors, sizes, as the leaders and treasures that we are, while celebrating our allies of all genders, as we all hoe this row together. 

Thank you for helping me compete and hopefully bring home the crown of MissTall International 2017.

Love always,
#MissTallNYC2017 
#TheReignBeginsWithTallLove 
#WeAllHaveABrightFutureTogether

Visit the GoFundMe page

Those of us women over 6' tall in the U.S. (I'm 6'4") only make up 1% of the population. That's about 3.2 million of us out there. It's not a huge number, but here's the thing about that number:

• 99% of us are between the ages of 20 and 50
• We are internet savvy because we had to be (to find clothes, communities, etc.)
• A decent chunk of us tend toward the liberal because, again, we had to (traditional roles don't work with us, we faced a lot of bullying growing up, etc.)
• We are constantly exploring the world around us for innovations (because we're looking for the world to offer things that work for us)

Essentially, we are the perfect demographic for Jezebel. And many of us are readers. In many of the tall communities I'm in, we share Jezebel articles frequently. We are still, above all, women who want to connect with others and the world around us.

Well, Jezebel, you just lost us. The quick spotlight Clover Hope wrote about the TLC series My Giant Life was bad.

Read the full article / blog posting

I am SO sorry for the lack of updates in the last few months. I want so badly to update with good news, maybe I was holding out for that. Recently Fox 8 news came and did a story on my fight with Marfan Syndrome. I found out it will air tonight on their 6pm broadcast.

Visit the Fox 8 Cleveland page 

Since I last updated I've struggled tremendously with food, getting bills paid, and getting to appointments. I was finally able to get in to see Dr. Daniels, my Marfan cardiologist, I've been issued a permanent handicapped placard, and I've been diagnosed with severe PTSD & an anxiety disorder.
Each day I just pray for a miracle! Thank you so much for all the support, thoughts, and prayers. I can't tell you how grateful I am! 

Ashley

You can still contribute to Ashley's GoFundMe appeal or spread the word.

Read Ashley's full story

Visit Ashley's support page on Facebook

Go directly to Ashley's GoFundMe page

R.I.P. Ashley Britt (August 25th, 1988 - November 1st, 2015)

With sadness I have to report that my good friend Ashley passed away last night. She went to bed with her boyfriend and fell asleep. Sadly she never woke up again.

I first started talking to Ashley when she was still a teenager, I believe. Even though I don't recall how exactly / where we met - it was online, of course - I always enjoyed talking to Ashley.

She may have been only 19 at the time, but due to her history (Ashley suffered from Marfan Sydrome) and health issue she was already a real grown-up and wise beyond her years. That's she because Tall Woman of the Month for September of 2007.

I finally met Ashley in person in New Bern, NC in April of 2011. She suffered from a pretty bad pneumonia back then (probably another result of Marfan) and I thought she would die on me when she started coughing - and couldn't stop. I went back to the supermarket we just left and got her a bottle of water. When I came back the driver of a vehicle parked next to us was asking if she needed any help. Ashley never had it easy.

When I learned earlier that Ashley had died last night, I couldn't believe it. Even though I knew that something might happen at any time I still didn't consider the likelyhood that she might pass away before me. It's totally unfair.

But that's the problem with Marfan Syndrome. Sufferers don't usually get to grow old. On the contrary. They tend to die much too young.

For the time being I have run out of words. I may extend this in the coming days. I would just ask you to pray for Ashley and her loved ones. Especially her boyfriend Zach.

In the future I will focus on the health issues connected to Marfan Syndrome more. Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be missed!

Ashley's Story (retold)

In 1992 I was 4 years old. It was during '92 that my father died from an aortic dissection. He was diagnosed, posthumously with Marfan Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that can wreak havoc on every part of the affected person's body. He was a man who stood 7ft tall, played basketball for Iowa State University, and lived his entire life with a diagnosis he never received. Medical knowledge of Marfan Syndrome was just starting to form in the 90's.

Three years later, at the age of 7, I was diagnosed with the same disorder. At the age of 11, when I stood 6ft tall, I was told I had to stop all strenuous physical activity immediately, or risk a sudden, unexpected death (due to aortic dissection). I stopped playing sports and started receiving annual echocardiagrams, and began seeing specialists at The Ohio State University's medical center.

By the age of 18 my height finally began to slow, and I stood at a towering 6'7" tall. Let's just say THAT alone has been an adventure (LOL!). Don't be surprised if you see me walking around in an Ohio winter with capris on. At one time they were designed to be long pants but with 42" legs there's only so much a girl can do!

I married my first love, Robert, at the age of 18. He was in the Marine Corps and had just returned from his second deployment. We lived together in California until he was restationed in North Carolina. As soon as we got to North Carolina I found a new team of specialists at Duke Medical Center. They were fantastic. While many would complain about the military healthcare we received, I couldn't say a negative word. I was able to get the care & medications I needed to thrive!

Things were going well. I had several medical issues that were attributed to Marfan Syndrome (scoliosis, sciatica, became legally blind without glasses, etc) but they were nothing I couldn't manage with the help of the great team at Duke.

However, my life was about to be rocked. In July of 2011 my best friend, a beautiful 19 year old gospel singer named Caitlyn Culpepper was murdered outside our home while I was asleep inside. She was a victim of domestic violence. My husband, at this point a Sgt in the Marine Corps with 8 years in the service and 26 months spent deployed, had been diagnosed with PTSD while serving his final tour in Iraq.

In September of 2011 Robert committed suicide in our home in North Carolina. I became a widow in my early 20's.

I came home to Ohio to try and rebuild a life for myself. By this point my physical health problems had started to affect my daily life. It was almost as if the grief and anxiety wrecked my body. I can honestly say I haven't been the same since.

In the last three years my health has declined dramatically. When I lost my husband I no longer had my health insurance through the military. I could no longer afford doctor's visits, medications, and preventative care for basic health, let alone to manage my Marfan Syndrome.

One of the most painful and frustrating aspects of my condition is the effect it has on my bones. They're weak. Did you know that connective tissue has a huge impact in the formation of your bones?

In the last two and a half years I've had three stress fractures (two in my left leg, one in my right) and two tumors (which were determined to be benign but I was advised to have them monitored every 3-6 months to make sure they haven't grown or become aggressive).

I'm a 26 year old young woman who loves to laugh, joke, and have fun. But I have no quality of life left. I'm no longer able to walk through the grocery store because of lower back issues (a condition called Dural Ectasia) that cause intense pain, numbness, and tingling when I stand or walk for more than five to ten minutes. My health has deteriorated to the point where it's physically exhausting to get out of bed most mornings. My mental health is honestly about the same.

Due to my physical health problems I'm unable to work. I had originally begun Cosmetology School to become a nail artist. I thought if I could just make it through my year of schooling I'd be able to have a career that allowed me to sit. I made it 7 months before the pain was too overwhelming to continue. I'm currently a full time student, majoring in Human Services. I want to help people who are in situations like myself. I want to be the person that answers the phone at your local agency (Job & Family Services, for example) who says, "It's going to be okay. And I'm going to do everything I can to help you". But I've come to realize, at the age of 26, that I may never have the chance to work. I may have to file for disability before the age of 30.

In the meantime, bills are mounting. Medical bills, utility bills, etc. I have to visit local food pantries often in order to eat. I DO recieve a small benefit each month from the VA, but it wasn't designed to be able to live on. I was, however, attempting to keep my head above water.

Anyone who has lived through physical pain, mental anguish, and seemingly unclimbable mountains, knows that 'when it rains it pours'. And it's pouring for me.

The last two weeks I've been experiencing excruciating pain through my left leg. I went to the same orthopedic surgeon who diagnosed my first stress fractures and found out that they believe I have not only another tumor, but another stress fracture as well. And this one lines up with the first one I had on the other side of the leg. They meet in the middle and form a line straight through my leg.

I was devestated. Incase you don't know, a stress fracture is basically a broken bone that hasn't become completely detached from itself. And this is my fourth. I don't work out, I don't run, I don't play sports..I just have Marfan Syndrome.

I started to cry and asked the doctor what he wanted me to do. He immediately told me to get OFF of my legs. He said crutches weren't an option. That I could put all my weight on my RIGHT leg because that pressure can cause another fracture to develop there as well. He looked at me and said, "Ashley if you don't get into a wheelchair you could take a step and your leg could literally snap in half".

Ashley's section on tallwomen.org 

I need help.

If anyone is willing to advocate for me and help spread the word about the potentially life saving treatment I need I would really appreciate it.

I don't have a family support system so I'm reaching out to my Facebook family for help. Letters have been sent to local sports, news, and media but no one has been interested in my story.

I feel as though having a support system behind me advocating for me and helping to spread the word would make a difference. As of now I haven't wanted to involve my Facebook family much but the bottom line is that im dying.

I'm physically, financially, and emotionally slipping away. I need your help. Please. Even if you can share my story on your Facebook it's immensely appreciated.

Thank you.

Read Ashley's full story

Visit Ashley's support page on Facebook

Here's another update before yesterday's update

Ashley writes: Had to take an emergency trip to the doctor this morning. Last night my leg gave out and I slammed the inside (of my bad leg) onto the tile in my foyer. Doctor says I have fractured the inside of my knee and have some possible torn ligaments in my knee as well. I cant even walk to get to the bathroom, and with Zac heading to work I'm not sure how I'm going to make it alone. If anyone would be willing to come by and sit with me for a little while I'd really appreciate it.

Happy Holidays, everyone! This is Zac, Ashley's boyfriend.

I wanted to take a moment and write an update everyone following her story on how she's doing lately. Ashley had wanted to update y'all herself but every time she's down to try and write something she begins to cry and isn't able to finish.

We went to meet a new neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic in late November. She was referred to him by her primary doctor at an income based clinic in Mansfield, Ohio. She specifically requested to be referred to a Neurologist who specialized in Marfan syndrome. When asked if she would prefer to go to Ohio State Medical Center or the Cleveland Clinic, she requested OSU but was instead sent to Cleveland. After the long drive to the Cleveland Clinic we met with the Neurologist and quickly discovered that his only connection to the Marfan Community was his wife being friends with someone from the National Marfan Foundation. He did not specialize or have a working knowledge of MFS. The visit was extremely short. She requested to be tested via MRI for Dural Ectasia (a common disorder that comes with the majority of people suffering from connective tissue disorders). The Neurologist ordered an MRI but upon speaking to Ashley's Orthopedic Surgeon in Mansfield we were informed that he didn't order the correct test to look for Dural Ectasia.

A few days later we made the trip back to Cleveland for an MRI that lasted almost 2 hours. Ashley, who is terrified of needles (and required an MRI with contrast dye) was not treated kindly by the tech performing the test. By the time we returned home, Ashley had received an email from the Neurologist stating, "Your MRI results were fine". We couldn't understand how that could be considering the intense pain and numbness Ashley experiences simply from standing for more than 5 minutes at a time.

A few days after the MRI, Ashley met with her orthopedic surgeon again. She gave him the disc with the MRI on it. About 45 minutes later, Dr Godfrey came into the room, obviously irritated because even though he had requested a copy of the report from the neurologist, none was sent. Dr Godfrey himself reviewed the MRI to the best of his ability and came in to tell us that at the minimum Ashley has a slipped disc in her back. He also believes that a severely pinched nerve could be the cause of the excruciating pain Ashley feels in her left leg continuously. She still doesn't have a diagnosis of Dural
Ectasia, despite the fact that she has every symptom of the disorder.

Dr Godfrey still insists Ashley be on bed rest or in a wheelchair but despite the generous donations on her gofundme site, we haven't been able to get her one. The majority of the money she has received has had to go towards utilities and travel expenses from her frequent doctor visits. One trip to the Cleveland Clinic costs us upwards of $80 (and that's without being able to stop for lunch or dinner – we've never been able to do that due to cost).

Emotionally, Ashley seems to be sinking deeper and deeper into her depression. She will be unable to return to college in the coming semester because, despite being so close to graduating, three of the classes she has left for her major are 'practicums' which would require her to volunteer at a local human services agency (Job & Family Services, for example) for 20-50 hours a week of unpaid work. Ashley has been told she is not to work currently because of the extent of her pain and numerous doctors' visits.. Most days Ashley is unable to get out of bed for more than five to ten minutes at a time.
She is literally lying in bed all day alone. She's had no visitors since this all began a few months ago. I was forced to take our living room television to the pawn store three months ago to get her to an appointment. Now we're unable to pay the $300 to get it out so that she can at least sit in the living room some days.

She will be starting at a Pain Management facility in early January and is unsure what to expect. Her orthopedic surgeon had placed her on a mild muscle relaxer (to calm the extreme muscle twitches associated with her pain that keep her awake most night) and a strong pain reliever.

She informed Dr Godfrey that she had finally gotten into a routine with her medications that took the edge off the pain and allowed her to rest at night. Unfortunately, Dr Godfrey decided to take her from 8 tablets of pain medicine a day down to 2 in only 2 short weeks. Her pain is back and worse than ever.

Christmas was a very sad and emotional day for us both. We were unable to do anything for each other on Christmas due to our financial emergency. This devastated Ashley no matter how many times I told her that I didn't want her to worry about that.

I work six days a week as a tow truck driver for a local company. Despite working 6 hours a day with two 24 hour 'on call shifts', I'm only making $8.00/hr and bringing home approximately $200 a week. We're not able to get out of the financial hole we're in and I know that stresses my love out even more. She feels as though this situation is all her fault. As a result, I feel like I'm not doing my job supporting Ashley.

We still have not been able to get Ashley into a wheelchair because the type she needs runs around $700 used. She has recently been accepted for Medicaid but they, so far, have refused to fill he prescription provided by Dr Godfrey for the wheelchair.

Many have given us wonderful ideas as to how to get help from the government in an attempt to get our heads back above water. Ashley has spent hours on the phone and internet trying to get someone, anyone to help her. Without children, however, she doesn't qualify for utility assistance, cash assistance, transportation assistance, or food stamps (unless she works 20 hour a week – which she cannot do). We're learning now that Ashley more than likely won't be able to file for disability because the small widows pension she receives each month from her first husband's passing puts her over the 300% poverty level (her pension is approximately $1100/month).

I'm working as hard and long as I can but I'm not able to provide for her. Ashley is the love of my life. It breaks my heart to hear her cry, whimper when she tries to stand up or lay down. I want so badly to find a better paying job, but with us only having one vehicle that's almost impossible. Our electricity is dangerously close to be shut off and we haven't been able to grocery shop in months. Ashley is currently eating one meal a day to try and make what little we have left. I would love nothing more than to be able to bring groceries home, tell her the bills are caught up, and surprise her with a small bouquet of flowers to brighten her day. Won't you please help me make this happen?

We would like to, again, thank everyone who has shared her story, donated to her, prayed for her, and even researched Marfan syndrome to learn how it can affect a person. No two cases of MFS are the same, some are hit worse than others.

Ashley & I are both very prideful people who hate asking for help, even when it's desperately needed. I'm writing today to plead to the kindhearted people following her story to help us in any way you're able. Ashley is the absolute love of my life and I cannot stand to see her feeling so lonely and upset.

Please keep Ashley in your thoughts & prayers. She is a good woman who has been through absolute hell in her life. She's been knocked down hard. Between the left leg pain, her hip pain (one of the tumors has flared back again), her lower back pain, and the frequent headaches she suffers from I don't know how much longer she has before she breaks completely.

Every person who shares her story on their Facebook page and/or website is advocating for Ashley in a great way. Neither one of us could ever thank y'all enough. Ashley has mentioned to me several times that she's praying one day she can pay forward some of the generosity from people who
follow her story.

Thank you for reading, God bless you, & have a joyful New Year.

-Zachary Gibbs

Read Ashley's full story

Visit Ashley's support page on Facebook