Whitney Lavender ♿️🦿🤍

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)

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! 🌌

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