About Me

My name is Trey Lane, and I am the founder of ToughTruth. I was born with a rare genetic disorder called Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IV (also known as Morquio syndrome), a condition that affects bone growth, joints, mobility, and overall physical development. At just 2 years old, I was misdiagnosed before doctors finally discovered what I had. Growing up, life looked different for me than most, but I learned early on that strength comes from how you respond to the battles life puts in front of you.

Every Thursday, I spent five hours doing IV therapy treatments. Instead of looking at those days negatively, my family and I turned them into something meaningful and started calling them “ToughTruth Thursdays.” Those Thursdays became a reminder to stay strong, keep fighting, and never give up, no matter how hard things got. I continued those treatments for years until my surgery in 2023, when I had to stop.

Standing at 3 foot 3 inches tall, getting around was never always easy for me. Walking could be difficult, so I used a balance bike that gave me independence and freedom. That bike became a huge part of my life, helping me get around in high school, spend time with friends, and even experience college life for the short time I was there. It helped me keep up with life and make memories I’ll never forget. I also grew up with three awesome brothers and a sister who have always been part of my journey.

ToughTruth officially started back in 2012 during a conversation in the pool with my mom. I originally wanted to create cool shirts in my size because there were not many options that felt like me. But what started as an idea for clothes quickly became something much bigger. The word “Tough” came from the strength it took to battle through everything I had gone through, and “Truth” came from believing in yourself, your faith, and staying true to who you are. One day, I noticed the letter “U” in ToughTruth could cross over and create a cross, which became a meaningful symbol of faith behind the brand.

Later in life, I was blessed with a Make-A-Wish opportunity, and my wish was to create an at-home t-shirt business. For a couple of years, my mom and I worked side by side building ToughTruth from home, creating shirts and bringing the dream to life.

I attended Perry High School, where I had an amazing time with my friends and proudly served as the football team manager alongside my brother and close friends — memories I will never forget. After high school, I attended Grand Canyon University, where I lived in an amazing apartment and got to experience college life.

In September 2023, after struggling with severe back pain, I underwent spinal decompression surgery that tragically went wrong, leaving me paralyzed from the shoulders down and dependent on a ventilator and tracheostomy. It completely changed my life.

But my story doesn’t end there.

Today, I am rebuilding ToughTruth stronger than ever. Using only my phone and a pencil stylus that I use with my mouth, I am bringing my dream back to life. ToughTruth is more than clothing to me — it’s a mindset. It’s about staying tough through whatever life throws at you, believing in your own truth, trusting your faith, and never giving up no matter the battle.

Always stay tough and believe in your own truth.

Thank you for visiting my creation and my website. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting ToughTruth. Whether you’re here to support the brand, wear the message, or simply learn more about my journey, I truly appreciate it more than you know. Thank you for buying ToughTruth and being part of something bigger than clothing. God bless.