"When I was 14 years old I learned that by the age of 21 I would no longer be able to walk or lift my arms.

I was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called limb girdle muscular dystrophy. 

Processing this information at such an impressionable age begged the necessity for growth, for maturity, for adaptability. It required strength of character while my strength elsewhere was gradually stolen from me.

Muscular dystrophy describes a group of diseases that cause atrophy (or degeneration) of muscle mass in effected muscles. It is in some cases gradual, in some cases evident in childhood, in others, not until adulthood. I am now 26, and the predictions from my doctors at 14 were correct, beginning at the age of 18, I had to start using a wheelchair.

At 26, I am unable to walk without support, I am unable to sit up in bed in the morning without assistance. I am unable to dress or bathe myself. I’m unable to scratch an itch on my forehead. I used to be ashamed of these things, but now I feel that I can embrace them.

My story is one littered with shortcomings and obstacles. But at the same time, my story is one bursting at the seams with love, growth, and purpose.

My story is one I will not allow to go untold.

From a young age I was inclined in art, but I never knew just how important my pull to it in life would be.

After graduating from the University of Kentucky with honors in Psychology as a moderately disabled young woman, I made the decision to stop only dipping my toes into the art world, and dive in. 

I started my business by drawing tattoo designs for friends/acquaintances and posting them. It grew into kannchy.com, something that offered me purpose and support. 

It grew into my career, my passion, and my livelihood. 

I have been saving for years to make the necessary accommodations I need to make my house handicap friendly. I never realized how expensive accommodations can be, and just how many I would need especially so I can continue to provide a living for myself through my art…"

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Everyday, Kathryn tackles challenge after challenge with a fortitude, grace, and perspective that inspires so many around her to redefine what is possible. She shows us through her vibrant art and resilient spirit that despite all odds, we each have the choice to be the victor and NOT the victim in life and define ourselves how we so choose.

In an effort to challenge our own limits of possibility and express gratitude of our abilities, we have decided to honor our sister and cousin Kathryn by training and completing a full Ironman on November 2nd, 2019, in Panama City, Florida. 

The race consists of a 2.4 mile open water swim in the gulf, a 112 mile bike ride through Pine Log State Forest, and finally a 26.2 mile marathon run along Panama City Beach. The entire race will take us somewhere between 12-14 hours.

This race represents the ultimate expression of freedom to us. Feeling soreness, muscle aches, and pressure is truly a privilege and ability not to be taken for granted.

With every mile we spin on the bike, every lap we swim in the pool, and each stride we take running, we are further inspired by Kathryn as she quietly faces these same levels of intensity and challenge with the most menial of daily tasks.

And now we want to help give Kathryn the ability to move with freedom too. 

Without the proper wheelchair accommodations, she often has to be carried from room to room – adding an immense amount of stress to both her body and her parents.

Our goal with this campaign is to raise $10,000 so we can widen the doorways in Kathryn’s home to allow her to move throughout the house freely in her wheelchair. We will also be dedicating 20% to an organization researching treatment and finding a cure for muscular dystrophy.

But we need your help. 

Every contribution goes a long way. It represents more than just your interest in finding a cure for muscular dystrophy. Your contribution represents your interest in offering a highly disabled young woman a more normal, comfortable life. 

These accommodations would additionally offer Kathryn a piece of independence that has been stolen from her by MD, and fortify her cherished online business by allowing her to move around in her home to tend to her art and orders independently.

We’re all crossing finish lines at the end of this one!!

Thank you all for your best wishes and support!

With limitless gratitude,

Joshua, Rob, & Kathryn


Rob biking during Ironman 70.3 St. George (2018)

Joshua running during Ironman 70.3 Santa Cruz (2017)


Here's how difficult it is for Kathryn to go from her room to her bathroom because of the doorways.

This is how Laura (mom) carries  Kathryn around the house