From the moment those four words, all strung together, danced into Kristen’s consciousness, they weren’t just a mantra; they were and continue to be the trail of glitter that accompanies her through the cadence of her life. Kristen says that her little legs carry not just her soul suit, but the spirit of acceptance and a strong base of perseverance while navigating the continued opportunities for growth from related experiences.

It took some time, and in her late twenties, Kristen came to realize that her presence in this world had everything to do with smashing stereotypes, dismantling the barriers obscuring disability and mental health discussions, and boldly engaging in conversations that untangle life’s intricacies. Little Legs Big Heart is her call to arms to remind her community that no burden, regardless of its weight, is insurmountable. From skeletal dysplasia to the diverse spectrum of disabilities, and even the heaviest chapters of existence, “Little Legs Big Heart” stands as a testament – there exists incredible power, profound connection, and unfeigned healing in the vulnerability of sharing the scars etched into our life’s journey.

As a woman who chose to undergo limb lengthening as a young girl and thus was ostracized from her own community, Kristen refuses to let it continue happening. 

In February of 2024, she decided that she could no longer sit back and watch members of her community struggle to find medical specialists, accurate information, or safe community spaces to fully embrace who they are. Thus, the foundation was born to empower the community to live life beyond height through access to crucial medical care with renowned specialists, advocacy, support, outreach initiatives, and educational projects. Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how long your legs are—you can only take one step at a time, and Kristen is with you every step of the way.