Mom shocked by her baby after birth, her words now spread like forest fire!
When Brenna was born, her parents, Courtney and Evan, were met with both joy and deep uncertainty. Their daughter had Harlequin ichthyosis, a rare and severe genetic skin disorder that causes thick, scaly skin and requires intense, daily care. From the very beginning, they knew their path would be anything but ordinary. But what they couldn’t prepare for was how the world around them would respond.
Every outing became a lesson in grace and resilience. People would stare. Some would whisper. Children pointed. But what cut deepest were the other parents—those who would silently gather their children and walk away without a word, as if difference were something to fear. Courtney never blames the children. Curiosity is natural. But she wishes more adults would choose kindness over avoidance, conversation over discomfort. “Why is it so hard,” she asks, “for a parent to simply say, ‘I don’t know why she looks different, but everyone is unique’?”
Despite the challenges, Brenna has blossomed into a bold, radiant little girl. Her confidence is unwavering, her spirit infectious. She plays with her older brother Connor like any other child, and his protective nature makes him her biggest fan. Her father Evan tends to her with the kind of gentle patience that speaks volumes—carefully bathing her each night and applying layers of cream to soothe her sensitive skin. Though Brenna has only a small amount of hair, Evan combs it tenderly every morning, as if it were a crown.
To the outside world, Brenna may look different. But at home, she is simply Brenna—playful, imaginative, and full of life. Her favorite part of the day is story time, when she curls up with her family and escapes into books. Courtney and Evan don’t doubt for a second that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to.
Determined to create more understanding, Courtney began documenting their journey through writing. Her words soon captured hearts across the country. In 2016, she published A Different Beautiful, a heartfelt book that dives into their experience and celebrates the power of unconditional love, acceptance, and resilience. Their story is not just about a diagnosis—it’s about choosing love over fear, and strength over silence.
Today, Brenna continues to challenge stereotypes and inspire everyone she meets. Her story reminds us that beauty isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing tall in your truth and letting love lead the way.