Face of Nation : Jessica Gray was born with spina bifida, and her left foot stopped growing around Grade 7. For years, Gray has been frustrated at having to purchase two sets of shoes, one size 7 and one size 9. She even put together a Facebook Group called Flip Flop Feet, hoping to connect with others who have similar issues. Gray’s story caught the attention of Calgary’s Genene Myanard, who was born with cerebral palsy. Her right foot stopped growing when she was in Grade 7. She now wears one size 7 and one size 9.
Gray said hearing of someone with similar sizing was “music to my ears.” “I’m so excited to be able to talk to someone with not only the same issue, but the exact same issue,” Gray said.
Maynard said finding her shoe twin comes as a relief. “I’ve always begged managers for discounts, saying ‘listen, here’s what I need, can you help?'”
Maynard added she is looking forward to seeing what styles Gray has collected. “I’m a mom, so I’m all Birkenstock sandals and a lot of running shoes. I have definitely been told I have mom style,” she said.
Gray said her own style, which she describes as “diverse,” is compatible with her shoe twin, and she has a bag of shoes waiting to send to Calgary.
“Currently, I have a pair of basic black Birkenstocks waiting to go to Genene, some different running shoes, but I’ll often find the trendier pairs…to keep the trends up to date.”
Since the story, Gray said she has been in contact with other people who have similar challenges. “I’ve seen comments online from diverse backgrounds. Men, women children, who say they’ve got the exact same issue,” Gray said.
