Mom shocked by her baby after birth
Brenna’s Strength and Beauty
Brenna was born with Harlequin ichthyosis, a rare and severe skin condition. Her parents, Courtney and Evan, quickly realized that life with a visible difference brought not just medical hurdles, but emotional and social ones too. People often stare or say hurtful things.
Courtney finds it especially hard when other parents avoid talking about Brenna. “Why not just say, ‘I don’t know, but we’re all unique’?” she asks.
Despite these challenges, Brenna is thriving. She’s full of joy and confidence, surrounded by love. Her older brother, Connor, is her biggest cheerleader, and her father gently cares for her skin every day. Even though Brenna has little hair, Evan still combs it with tenderness each morning.
Courtney shares their family’s journey online and in her book, A Different Beautiful (2016). She uses their story to encourage compassion and celebrate differences.
