User:Brianneschwantes

Combining personal and universal struggles, Brianne Schwantes has successfully fought some of the most difficult fights. She was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a rare genetic disease that causes brittle bones. The prognosis at birth was not hopeful, yet she and her family were dedicated to her survival. Now a graduate of American University in Washington DC, Brianne focuses on helping others and sharing her story of optimism and strength.

Since birth, Brianne has participated in experimental research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Though faced with much adversity and many disappointments, Brianne’s never-fading hopefulness and determination helped her to evolve into the poster child for OI. Between the ages of eight and fourteen, Brianne was asked to testify six times before the Health and Human Services subcommittees in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Her testimony advocated additional funding for bone diseases and over time resulted in the reinstatement of million dollars in funding.

Brianne also focuses her energy on a multitude of service activities, including work with the Heart of America Foundation®, the American Red Cross and Camp AmeriKids. Brianne is a compelling motivator, and was recently featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, in the books A Courage to Give, The Heart of America: Ten Core Values That Make Our Country Great, and in many publications such as the Wall Street Journal, ReAct magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. Brianne surpasses challenges in life, service, and education, which are common themes within all her presentations. She shares her own personal story of a young adult beating the odds and her presentations empower audiences to overcome their own obstacles so they may help others in need.