Whitney Lavender ♿️🦿🤍

“This can’t all be for nothing.” I have said those words since the beginning of everything I’ve been through. Even when I couldn’t understand my own journey, I believed there had to be a greater purpose in what I would do with it. If sharing my story helps just one person in this life, then I have done my job. But Lord, I hope it helps a whole bunch of people. ❤️ When I look at these photos of myself speaking at Ms. Wheelchair America, I think about everything that brought me to that microphone. Abuse. Neglect. Addiction. Loss. Grief. Trauma. Divorce. Motherhood. A life-changing disease. Losing both legs. Learning how to begin again. There are so many chapters to my story. Somewhere in those chapters, someone else may recognize a piece of their own. That is why I choose to use my voice. Because I know what it feels like to be on your knees, crying out to God, “I can’t do this anymore.” I’ve been there. And if that is where you are today, I want you to know that there is hope beyond this moment. You deserve support while you find your way through it. There is still life to live, love to experience, and joy you haven’t met yet. I am living a life I couldn’t have imagined in some of my darkest moments. That is part of my testimony, too. So I’ll keep sharing the hard chapters alongside the beautiful ones. I’ll keep showing up, having honest conversations, and using what I’ve lived through to serve a greater purpose. If you know of an event, conference, church, school classroom, or stage where my message could make a difference, please connect with me. I welcome opportunities to speak about resilience, faith, disability, and rebuilding a life after everything changes. And if someone comes to mind as you read this, please send it their way. You may be the connection that helps my story reach the person who needs it. My story is still being written. And I intend to keep using my voice. ❤️

True commitment, lol 😂

What he said 👇👇👇

October, you were a WHOLE LOT of everything! 🍂💜 And yes, this recap is a few days late…but if you know how my October ended, you probably understand why. 😂 From workouts and archery to podcasting, advocacy, speaking to students, hockey games, new friendships, fall adventures, and everything in between…this month was FULL! I got to do things I love, spend time with some incredible people, make memories, chase goals, and continue building this crazy, beautiful life of mine. And then, just when I thought October was wrapping up, life decided to throw in one heck of a plot twist that I DEFINITELY didn’t have on my bingo card. 🫠 But here’s what I love about looking back at these little monthly recaps… Even in the months that end with unexpected challenges, there is SO MUCH GOOD worth remembering. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. The hard moments don’t erase the happy ones. And sometimes we need to look back to appreciate just how much living we’ve actually done. So here’s to October, the memories made, the lessons learned, and all the GRIT it took along the way. November, I’m coming for you! Just maybe take it a little easier on me, okay?! 😂💜 Everything is OVERCOMABLE. What was your favorite memory from October? 🍁 #OctoberRecap #WhitsGrit #EverythingIsOvercomable #LivingLifeToTheFullest #AdaptiveLiving

Big overthinker? GUILTY. 🙋🏼‍♀️ Big believer? EVEN BIGGER. 🙌🏼 And let me tell you, the last several days have put BOTH to the test. I’ve been scared. I’ve been in pain. I’ve had more questions than answers. And I’ve certainly had some pretty lengthy conversations with God. But here’s something I’ve learned through all the things life has thrown my way… Faith doesn’t mean you never feel fear. It means choosing to trust God even when you’re terrified of what comes next. I’m not sharing this from the other side of a difficult chapter. I’m sharing it right smack dab in the middle of one. I don’t know exactly what the days ahead hold. But I know Who holds them. And sometimes that’s enough to get me through the next five minutes. 💜 So here’s your reminder that you can be scared AND have faith. You can struggle AND be grateful. You can have questions AND still trust. Those things can coexist. And no matter what… Everything is OVERCOMABLE. 💜 #WhitsGrit #FaithOverFear #EverythingIsOvercomable #TrustGod #KeepGoingl

If you’ve ever wondered how to support me, tomorrow you can start with something simple: wear orange. 🧡 Tomorrow, November 2, is #CRPSOrangeDay. For me, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is deeply personal. It changed my life and ultimately led to the loss of both my legs. I can’t make everyone understand what living with CRPS feels like. But I can keep using my voice—and ask you to help this message reach someone who needs to know they aren’t alone. 🧡 Wear orange tomorrow. 📸 Post a photo and tag me @whitscomplex so I can see you! 🔁 Share this video to help spread awareness. When someone asks why you’re wearing orange, tell them about CRPS. That conversation matters. Who’s going orange with me tomorrow? 🧡 #ColorTheWorldOrange #CRPSAwareness #CRPS #ChronicPainAwareness

Well after 26 hours and 15 minutes of this stay…I’m finally in a hospital room! Yay. Next step is another MRI to look more specifically at the blood vessels in the affected area. Also to make sure there is no tissue damage from the stroke/CVST. Fun times in the neighborhood…apparently I wanted all tricks for Halloween this year. 🤦‍♀️ (And yes, I know I look absolutely glorious right now lol)

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) - that’s the diagnosis. 😥 No wonder I’ve been experiencing the headaches that I am. I’m on a heparin drip to clear up the clot and am waiting to do more imaging…and get moved to a room since they’re admitting me. Please send up all the prayers friends. 🙏

I’m back in the ER for the third time this week. An occipital nerve block was done almost an hour ago with ZERO relief. Hopefully NOW they will let me get this MRI done. I’m spent. 😥😓🤯

Some battles are fought quietly. Some prayers are whispered through tears. And some of the greatest blessings are the ones we never even knew to ask for. ❤️ Life isn’t always easy. Goodness knows mine hasn’t been. But even on the hardest days, I can look back and see God’s hand in places I didn’t recognize at the time. Today, I’m slowing down, appreciating the little things, and reminding myself that even when life feels overwhelming, there is still SO much to be grateful for. 🌺 Sometimes gratitude isn’t about everything going right. It’s about recognizing who carried you when everything went wrong. What’s one thing you’re grateful for today? 💜

🎃 MEMPHIS!! THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE! 🌟 Looking for a fun, safe, family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! And the best part? EVERYONE IS WELCOME! 💜 @jamie2gs and I will be hanging out at Whitten Baptist Church’s INDOOR Trunk or Treat this Friday AND Saturday, and we want to see YOU! ⭐ Find us at BOOTH 12 — THE STAR WARS BOOTH! ⭐ Come hang out with Obi-Wan Kenobi and R2-D2, grab some candy, make some memories, and enjoy a little fun and fellowship! But here’s what I REALLY love about this event. We’re celebrating Halloween in TWO different ways so more families can join in! 💜 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 | 6:00–7:30 PM SPECIAL NEEDS / SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHT! No flashing lights. No loud music or overwhelming sound effects. Just a welcoming environment where individuals with sensory sensitivities, disabilities, and their families can enjoy the Halloween festivities! Siblings are welcome, too! 🧡 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 | 6:00 PM UNTIL THE CANDY RUNS OUT! HALLOWEEN NIGHT — THE FULL EXPERIENCE! We’re bringing the music, lights, decorations, candy, and ALL the Halloween excitement! 📍 Whitten Baptist Church 6773 Macon Rd. Memphis, TN 38134 🏠 INDOORS — RAIN OR SHINE! 🎃 OPEN TO ALL! ❤️ NOW, HERE’S WHERE I NEED YOUR HELP! PLEASE SHARE THIS POST! Especially with your Memphis-area friends, families, special needs communities, schools, and anyone looking for a fun Halloween experience! You never know who might be looking for an event like Friday night’s sensory-friendly celebration. Let’s help make sure those families know it’s happening! A little candy, a little community, and a whole lot of fun! We’ll see you at Booth 12! And MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU! 🌌

*UPDATE* That incredible doc at the ER, that had no reason to get involved in my case other than she cares, got me an appointment with Neurology in two weeks!!! What a blessing. God is good. Treat people kindly…you never know when and how it will come back around.

Two ER visits in two days. Some of the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. And still no answers. The past 48 hours have been ROUGH. I landed in the ER yesterday afternoon and ended up right back there this morning, where I spent pretty much the entire day. Apparently, my big-brained, Chiari-Malformation-having self is having some BIG brain issues. 🧠 And let me tell you, I’ve experienced a lot of pain in my lifetime, but I can honestly say I’ve NEVER experienced a “headache” quite like this. Yesterday was especially terrifying. By the time we got to the hospital, I could barely function. And in all my years of medical mishaps, I don’t think I’ve EVER been rushed back so quickly. After another full day at the hospital today, I was sent home yet again. No MRI scheduled. No neurology appointment. No neurosurgery appointment. Just more waiting, more pain, and a whole lot of frustration. BUT…there was one bright spot in all of this. As I was walking (okay, rolling 😂) out the door today, I happened to lock eyes with the sweetest doctor who took care of me two summers ago when my gallbladder decided it was DONE. She recognized me, asked what was going on, and immediately jumped into action when I explained everything. She’s now actively working to help get me appointments with both neurology and neurosurgery. Sometimes, in the middle of all the chaos and frustration, God puts exactly the right person in your path. Thank God above for good people like her. ❤️ Now, we wait. Wait for appointments. Wait for answers. And pray these headaches don’t continue. I don’t scare easily when it comes to medical stuff anymore. I’ve been through enough of it to last several lifetimes. But yesterday? Yesterday scared me. If you need me, I’ll be resting, taking it easy, and hoping my big brain decides to behave itself for a while. 💜

Here’s your hump day reminder, my friends… You’re not too old. You’re not too late. And you’re certainly not out of chances! Try again. Start something new. Chase that dream you’ve been putting off. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡! 💪❤️ Go Redefine Impossible Today! Everything is OVERCOMABLE. #WhitsGrit #NeverTooLate #StartToday #everythingisovercomable #GRIT

THE MID-SOUTH HAS A NEW KINGDOM… AND THEY KNOW HOW TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE! 👑🏒🔥 Hockey is BACK in the Mid-South, and I got to witness a little history at the @midsouthhockey FIRST-EVER home game at Landers Center! The crowd, the energy, the action 👀 on the ice… WHAT. A. NIGHT! And a 4–3 WIN over the Baton Rouge Kingfish made it even sweeter! 🙌 And let’s be honest, as someone who knows a thing or two about crowns, you KNOW I had to meet the local royalty before leaving! 🦁👑😉 Mid-South Monarchs, y’all put on a SHOW! I think it’s safe to say the reign has officially begun! 🏒 WHO ELSE WAS THERE?! And who’s ready to go back?! #MidSouthMonarchs #WhitsGrit #HockeyIsBack #MidSouthSports #FPHL

It’s CHOOSE Tuesday. 💙 Don’t pick the 3 words that describe who you already are. Pick the 3 you need to step into. Maybe it’s courage. Maybe it’s discipline. Maybe it’s patience. Maybe it’s belief. Maybe it’s grit. Whatever they are, claim them for the week ahead. Drop your 3 words in the comments — and if you see someone else choose one you need too, give them a little encouragement while you’re there. What are you choosing this week? 👇 #ChooseTuesday #ChooseYourMindset #Grit #Resilience #Courage #MindsetMatters

One conversation could open a door you didn’t even know existed. 🤝 Sarah never pictured herself in the career she has today. Her story is a reminder to put yourself out there and stay open to unexpected opportunities. 🎙️ Listen to Whit’s Grit Episode 15 everywhere podcasts are streamed! Full episode linked in my bio and stories. 💜 #WhitsGrit #PodcastClips #Networking #CareerJourney #CareerGrowth

Welp, you can officially add Mass Casualty Role Player to my résumé after today. (AND NO, IT’S NOT A HALLOWEEN COSTUME!) I got to spend the day with some pretty incredible people, doing something I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to do. Imagine preparing for a worst-case scenario, and then suddenly coming face-to-face with a woman screaming for help, with both of her legs gone. There’s a big difference between learning how to respond to something and actually having to respond when it’s right in front of you. The urgency, the pressure, the decisions, the human element. That’s why realistic training like this is so incredibly important. I sincerely hope none of the people I worked with today ever encounter a situation like that in real life. But if they do, I hope today’s experience leaves them a little more prepared to handle it when someone’s life depends on them. I’ve always believed that what I’ve been through can serve a greater purpose. I just never imagined losing my legs might one day help someone else learn how to save a life. Pretty incredible when you think about it. Thanks @jamie2gs for always taking me along on your adventures. Today was something truly special, and I’m grateful I got to play a small part in something so important.

That “I CAN and I WILL” mindset has gotten me into some pretty interesting situations over the years! 😂🎠 And you know what? I wouldn’t change a dang thing! Life’s too short not to have a little FUN along the way, my friends! 💪❤️ 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲! 😉 #WhitsGrit #ICanAndIWill #ChooseJoy #LivingWithoutLimits #EverythingIsOvercomable

There’s more to accessible parking than most people ever think about. ♿ Sarah shares concerns about differences in parking placards—and why awareness is just the beginning of her advocacy. 🎙️ Our full conversation is available everywhere podcasts are streamed! Find Whit’s Grit Episode 15 through the link in my bio and stories. 💜 #WhitsGrit #PodcastClips #AccessibleParking #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy