At the age of 13, Bethany experienced a life-altering event when she lost her arm in a shark attack. Despite this tragedy, her resilient spirit refused to be defeated. Instead, she forged ahead, becoming a professional surfer and eventually a mother to multiple children. Her story stands as a testament to her strength and determination. Following the shark attack at 13, Bethany wasted no time in returning to her passion for surfing. Just one month after the incident, she was back on her board, determined to pursue her dream of becoming a national surf champion.

Navigating the challenges of learning to surf with only one arm proved difficult for Bethany, but her determination never wavered. Refusing to rely on a prosthetic with flexible joints, she instead found a solution with the help of her father, Tom, who crafted a custom handle to assist her in controlling the board and paddling through the waves.

Bethany’s journey took a new turn when she met her husband, Adam Dirks, through mutual connections. Their love blossomed, culminating in their marriage in Hawaii in 2013. Bethany joyfully shared their union on social media, expressing her excitement for their future together.

Over the years, Bethany and Adam welcomed four children into their family: Tobias in 2015, Wesley in 2018, Micah in 2021, and Alaya Dorothy Dirks in July 2023. Grateful for the blessing of parenthood, Bethany expressed her deep gratitude and commitment to raising their children with love and guidance.

Through her experiences as a mother, Bethany discovered the true wealth of family and emphasized the importance of cherishing these precious moments. She encouraged others to prioritize their families over material possessions, recognizing that the love and joy shared within a family are invaluable treasures. As a mother of four, Bethany’s journey exemplifies courage and resilience, inspiring others to embrace the blessings of motherhood wholeheartedly.