Turning 46: How One Birthday Sparked a Movement to Help Others Overcome Obstacles

From One Birthday to a Bigger Purpose

What if one day—one birthday—changed the entire course of your life?

I was 15 years old when that happened to me. A birthday that should’ve been filled with carefree joy ended with the kind of news that would force me to grow up overnight. It was a moment that could’ve defined my downfall, but instead, it became the beginning of my rise.

Now, at 46, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude—not just because I’ve made it to another year, but because that one difficult birthday sparked something so much bigger than me.

Celebrating Life, Celebrating Legacy

On May 22nd, I turned 46. I was greeted with a kiss and a gift of Edible Arrangements fruit and cupcakes from my special friend.

Then we spent the evening celebrating my birthday twin, Charlie Caswell, at his 50th celebration—both of us marking milestones with reflections on purpose and impact. And nearly every friend who called to wish me well asked the same question:

“Are you in another country right now?”

Not this year. But I love that people expect me to be out in the world, living life and doing work that matters. Because that’s exactly what I’ve built my life around.

What That One Birthday Birthed

That one painful birthday? It eventually led to:

• My memoir, Life After Birth, which has helped countless people see that their past doesn’t define their future.

• The S.O. What! Literacy, Life Skills, and Character Education Curriculum

• The Get the Guts to Go For It Coaching Program

• The Confidence Class, teaching people how to own their worth and use their voice.

• The S.O. What! Foundation, a nonprofit that supports youth facing serious life challenges

• The S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree

• The Love Yourself Event 

• Scholarships, workshops, speaking engagements, and programs that help others turn their own pain into purpose. And more.

What started as my survival has become their roadmap. And I’m just getting started.

Grateful for the Journey—and the People on It

Every birthday is a moment to pause. To take inventory. And this year, I’ve felt every message, every call, every comment, and every kind word deeply. Thank you for thinking of me. For cheering me on. For seeing me.

I don’t take life for granted. I know how quickly things can change. And I know that every day—every birthday—is a gift.

Help More Youth Celebrate More Birthdays

If you’re reading this and wondering how you can be a part of something that truly makes a difference, here’s your chance:

👉🏽 Make a donation to The S.O. What! Foundation.
Your support helps more young people survive their hardest moments and discover that their lives still matter. That they can still dream. Still grow. Still celebrate birthdays of their own.

A Question for You…

What moment in your life tried to break you—and how can you use it to build someone else up?

Let’s keep choosing purpose. Let’s keep lifting others. Let’s keep turning pain into power.