Can you imagine an unplanned pregnancy at 19? More so, can you imagine losing the father of your child tragically soon after? After finding the father of her daughter overdosed at only age 20, Katie Breisinger still managed to put herself through school, obtain a career, become both a father and a mother and create a life for her and her beautiful daughter. Katie continues to support Choose Life and has participated in the Great Run For Life for several years, as well as supporting various addiction crisis causes over the years.
We’re chatting with the inspiring Katie Breisinger on how she put herself back together and became a kick a$$ mom. She is proof that you can overcome even the darkest storms life can throw at you.
What do you see when you look into the mirror?
When I look into the mirror I see the imperfect-perfect me, the exhausted me, the cheerful me, the depressed me, the strong and confident me. There have been several times where I’ve looked myself in the mirror and saw a broken girl, ashamed to even look at my own reflection. Why must my hair be so boring and thin, the excessive amount of loose fat on my stomach is so atrocious also not to mention the dimpled looking skin called cellulite that appears on the back of my legs. Why is my nose too big for my face? Did I have to pick that one chicken pox when I was 5 years old to forever scar my face? It’s hard to get off track, but I always find my way back to the positive end. I will continue to tell myself each and every day to keep kicking ass at this thing called life.
What do you do for a living?
I am a Clinical Access Coordinator with Allegheny Health Network, I am based out of an Orthopedic office.
How do you think self- love plays a role in success?
The more self- love you will have, the more energy and positivity you will put into this world. Simple as that.
How do you think we, as women, can work to lift each other?
I believe society has played a HUGE role on women. I strongly believe that we, as individuals, need to learn how to love our flaws instead of looking down on them. I won’t lie, I am at fault for this one. We as women need to overcome these terrible impressions of ourselves, and be more attracted by the beautiful side. Don’t let social media, numbers on a scale, TV or magazines tell us otherwise. We all need to learn that we are not perfect and never will be perfect.
Have you had any adversities that you’ve had to overcome in order to achieve success?
Unfortunately at the age of 20, I had a drastic event happen in my life. At the age of 19, I became pregnant with my first child. Although I was smart and used protection, God had a different plan for me. December 19, 2008 was the day I found out I was pregnant. I remember sitting in the doctor office with tears were running down my cheeks, hyperventilating trying to breath. So many emotions were running through my head that day. I was in complete denial, and was terrified on how my dad would take the news. He is going to be so ashamed. I was 5 month pregnant when I told my dad I was expecting, he didn’t speak to me for exactly 5 days but eventually supported my decision. August 30, 2009 I gave birth to a healthy beautiful 8 pound 8 ounce girl, Tessa. I would be lying if I told you it was easy. Life was rough financially, I was working a full time job just so I could afford diapers, wipes and formula. I wasn’t getting any help let alone financially from Tessa’s father, the “father” who never showed up for her birth nor supported my decision on keeping her in the first place. Yes, my life changed dramatically but I wouldn’t let that stop me from succeeding. I enrolled in a school located in downtown Pittsburgh for Dialysis Technology. Not only did I make the presidents list, but I earned all A’s to make high honors. I thought my life turned for the worse when I got pregnant, but I was wrong. March 23, 2011 Tessa’s father passed away from a heroin overdose. I found him passed out on the bathroom floor. Talk about my world getting turned upside down. I had no choice but to take a leave from school, it was by far the one of the hardest times of my life. From that day on, I would have to raise this little girl all by myself. I would have to be mother and father to her. I was at a very deep dark place, and I would be lying if I told you I am not fully healed. With the help from family and friends, in September 2011 I was able to graduate with a degree in Dialysis. I worked in Dialysis for 8 years until I recently just switched occupations.
What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?
To be honest, I don’t know. I want to thrive more in life but the struggle being a single mother is physically and emotionally draining. I am never going to feel good enough for her. Being known I was a single mother at a very young age, I am content with my accomplishments thus far. I have a secure job where I can move up within my company, my own townhouse, my own car, I can financially support my daughter, I can’t complain about that. I just will always want more for her.
What inspires you to keep growing?
Tessa.
