Brenna Huckaby Celebrates Disability Pride Month With Inspiring Message

July is Disability Pride Month, an annual event held to honor the experiences and accomplishments of people with disabilities. Three-time Paralympic gold medalist Brenna Huckaby kicked things off with a bang on Instagram Monday with an inspiring message of self-acceptance.

“I’m not proud of being disabled because my body and my disability are the least interesting part of me — or so I thought,” the 28-year-old model and mother said in a voiceover video. “When I became disabled in 2010, I had to learn to accept my new reality, my disability and this whole new identity.”

Huckaby had to have her right leg amputated at the knee at age 14 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma. She turned to snowboarding as a form of rehabilitation and quickly fell in love with the sport. The SI swimsuit legend and athlete is currently training hard for the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy.

“But the process of accepting your disability doesn’t end there,” she continued. “We live in a society where no matter how much progress we make, we are seen as others and sometimes that’s hard to accept. But my disability has given me so much more than society or an amputation could take away from me. I’m so proud of the person my disability has helped me become.”

Huckaby’s comments section was quickly filled with praise from friends and fans.

“Beautifully said! Your story inspires us all! 🌟,” commented one of her 117,000 followers.

“Thank you for sharing your experience and struggles!” someone else added. “You are an inspiration and an incredible role model!”