We Kept Fighting: Cody & Kylee’s Journey from Surviving to Thriving

What makes you a Beautiful Disaster?
My daughter and I have followed Beautiful Disaster for five years now. We have read stories not to feel alone. As much as we’ve wanted to buy merchandise, it’s been complicated—but we still support one another.

Why do you Identify with the Beautiful Disaster Brand?
We never gave up hope and grew to share our story with others. We are beautiful and strong.

Tell us your Beautiful Disaster story:
Hi, my name is Cody and my daughter is Kylee. We are both survivors of domestic violence.

Kylee’s dad and I were supposed to be a fling back in 2012, but I ended up pregnant. I had no idea what was in store for me. During my entire pregnancy, I endured verbal abuse—name-calling, constant put-downs. I lost friends, family, and hope. In my mind, I was nothing without him. He threatened that if I left, I’d never see my baby again—and that he’d make sure I ended up dead.

Then came the day I caught him cheating. We were in the car, arguing. He yelled at me to shut up and told me he could do whatever he wanted. He threatened to kill me, the baby, and himself. Then he slammed his foot on the gas and rammed our car into another vehicle. I was terrified. But I told the police what happened, even though they didn’t believe me. He went to jail—but I knew he’d be released the next day.

I was taken to the hospital and miraculously, the baby and I were okay. They kept me overnight, and the next day I went into labor. Scared for my baby’s life, I gave birth to a healthy and perfect little girl.

When we got home, he had already been released. He came to our house and told me again how I was nothing. I told him it was over. He grabbed me by the throat—while I was holding the baby—and shoved me against the wall, saying if I ever told him to leave again, he would end my life.

The next day, I called my dad and told him I needed help. He helped pack our things and found us a new apartment.

A year later, after blocking him and keeping Kylee safe, he had me served with court papers. I knew he would manipulate the court—he had a way of convincing people to believe him. The court didn’t care about the abuse I’d endured. Despite all my efforts, the system failed us. They gave him 50/50 custody.

This is where Kylee’s story begins.

Even after the custody agreement, he continued to abuse her physically. She would come home with bruises, dirty, and hungry. I reported everything. I filed police reports, CPS complaints, and court papers—but no one believed me.

Kylee would cry and beg me not to send her back. But still, I was forced to. This went on for seven years. Until one day, Kylee came home with bruises across her back and legs. He told me, “She didn’t want to stay in her room, so she got beat with a belt.”

I called the police and CPS—again. This time, Kylee was finally heard. He was arrested. CPS substantiated the report. It felt like justice.

But even after that, the courts gave him supervised visitation. It broke my heart every time I had to hand her over.

Then came the final straw. During one of those visits, because she wouldn’t hug him, he smacked her across the face. He was arrested again, and this time it stuck. CPS believed us. Charges were filed. The court took all of his rights away.

We’ve been free for three years now.

Kylee and I are living a beautiful, peaceful life. I met someone who truly loves and respects us. We got married, and he adopted Kylee as his own. He treats her no differently than he would his own child. We are so grateful.

What happened for you to turn it around?
I never gave up and kept fighting. Even though no one listened to our story, I kept going.

Name 3 things you’ve done to move closer to happiness:

• Counseling

• Moved to a new town

• Open communication with my daughter about our journey

What is your favorite Beautiful Disaster collection, past or present, and why?
The Hope Collection—because there is always hope, and the pain can end.