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.
Bethany found it challenging to overcome the obstacles of learning to surf with just one arm, but she never quit. Her father, Tom, came up with a solution for her instead of depending on a prosthetic with flexible joints. He made a special handle to enable her steer the board and paddle over the waves.
When Bethany met her husband, Adam Dirks, through mutual connections, her path took a different turn. They were married in Hawaii in 2013 after their love developed. On social media, Bethany excitedly announced their union and her excitement for their future together.
Four children were added to Bethany and Adam’s family over the years: Micah in 2021, Wesley in 2018, Tobias in 2015, and Alaya Dorothy Dirks in July 2023. Bethany expressed her sincere appreciation for the gift of parenting and her resolve to raise their kids with love and wisdom.
Bethany learned the value of family and the significance of savoring these priceless moments from her experiences as a mother. Realizing that the love and joy shared inside a family are priceless treasures, she urged others to put their families above material belongings. As a mother of four, Bethany’s story serves as an example of bravery and tenacity, encouraging others to fully enjoy the rewards of motherhood.
