![Gypsy Rose Blanchard takes selfie in pink blazer](https://theblast.prod.media.wordpress.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/123/0x0/2024/05/10165033/Gypsy-Rose-Blanchard-e1716923340614.jpeg?)
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Rocks Custom-Made Sneakers For 33rd Birthday
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on July 27, 2024 at 4:45 PM EDT
Gypsy Rose Blanchard spent the last eight and a half years behind bars after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Ever since, she has consistently shared her story and advocated for awareness of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a mental illness and form of child abuse.
For those unfamiliar with the condition, it involves a caregiver, usually the mother, either fabricating symptoms or causing actual symptoms to make it seem like the child is ill.
Several months after being released from prison on parole, Gypsy Rose Blanchard is celebrating her 33rd birthday.
Gypsy Celebrates Her 33rd Birthday
![Gypsy Rose Blanchard takes a mirror selfie](https://theblast.prod.media.wordpress.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/123/0x0/2024/07/27155104/gypsy-rose-blanchard-birthday.png?)
On Saturday, July 27, Gypsy Rose shared a video on her Instagram Stories showing off her birthday fit.
"So this is my birthday attire: simple jeans, a white tank top, and these custom-made sneakers by Brushed by Sophh," she said as she posed in front of the mirror.
The video was posted just hours after her boyfriend, Ken Urker, who she is expecting a child with, wished Gypsy a happy 33rd birthday. He shared a photo of the couple cuddling on the grass, with him giving her a forehead kiss.
Gypsy And Ken Are Going To Be Parents
![Gypsy Rose Blanchard takes a selfie with Ken Urker](https://theblast.prod.media.wordpress.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/123/0x0/2024/06/23115523/gypsy-rose-blanchard-with-ken-urker.jpg?)
On July 10, Gypsy Rose announced that she and her boyfriend were expecting.
“I know the rumors have been flying around for quite some time now, and I’m happy to announce that I am 11 weeks pregnant. Ken and I are expecting our very first child come January 2025," she began in her YouTube video. "We're both very excited. This was not planned at all; it was completely unexpected, but we're both very excited to take on this new journey of parenthood."
"You know it's still going to be a long journey ahead, but I'm up for it. I feel a shift in myself," Gypsy continued in her YouTube video.
Gypsy Rose Is A Victim Of Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy
![Gypsy Rose Blanchard in red blazer at An Evening With Lifetime: Conversations On Controversies FYC Event](https://theblast.prod.media.wordpress.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/123/0x0/2024/06/01135918/gypsy-rose-blanchard-red-blazer-1-scaled.jpg?)
As The Blast reported, Gypsy was raised by her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, who subjected her to severe abuse and medical fraud, convincing others that Gypsy had various illnesses and disabilities. This led to Gypsy being isolated and overmedicated throughout her childhood, as well as subjected to unnecessary surgeries.
In 2015, Gypsy conspired with her boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, to murder Dee Dee, sparking discussions about Munchausen syndrome by proxy. She was arrested, charged with murder, and later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree murder.
Gypsy was sentenced to ten years in prison and was released on parole in December. Now, she's ready to tell her story.
Gypsy Rose To Release 'My Time To Stand'
![Gypsy Rose Blanchard takes a selfie](https://theblast.prod.media.wordpress.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/123/0x0/2024/06/01134337/gypsy-rose-blanchard-selfie.jpg?)
Shortly after her release on parole, Gypsy Rose announced that she would be releasing a memoir.
“I am in love with the title of my book not only because it addresses the question I get most, but because in our pain and struggle we can find what it is that we want to stand for,” she told People Magazine. “That inside our stories, if we dare to sit in the stillness of them, our purpose can be revealed."
"And we all have a purpose. That’s what I hope people will take away from my book," she added.
Gypsy Plans To 'Retell Her Memories' And Address Her Childhood
![Gypsy Rose Blanchard takes a selfie](https://theblast.prod.media.wordpress.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/123/0x0/2024/05/31143218/Gypsy-Rose-Blanchard-17.jpg?)
The now 33-year-old also said that “as a survivor desperate to figure out ways to inspire others to find hope," she wants to "face inward—to question, to be introspective."
“In processing and retelling my memories, so much more truth has been revealed to me, including the victimization of the other people in my family and community," Gypsy said. I hope to engage readers by describing my journey, instead of explaining it. In that way, others might see themselves in my story, too, and relate.”
She added, “Only because I did the work, did my time to stand finally come. Now, I can stand with other victims as they take steps toward doing whatever work is necessary to stand for themselves. 'My Time to Stand' is about reclaiming my footing so others can be inspired to walk a life of purpose and meaning and build a future sturdy enough so others can stand for something, too.”