Brenna was born with Harlequin ichthyosis, a rare and severe skin condition that presents daily challenges for both her and her family. From the moment she arrived, her parents, Courtney and Evan, knew they were embarking on a difficult path. The world around them often doesn’t understand Brenna’s condition—leading to uncomfortable stares, awkward questions, and painful moments of exclusion. While Courtney is empathetic toward children’s natural curiosity, it’s the reactions from adults that are hardest to bear—when parents abruptly take their children away or quietly leave the playground without acknowledging them.
In a better world, Courtney wishes those parents would simply say hello and open a conversation. “Why do parents avoid talking to people who look different?” she wonders aloud. “Why not just say, ‘I don’t know, but we’re all unique’?”
Despite the many hurdles she faces, Brenna is a joyful, self-assured little girl surrounded by unwavering love. Her older brother, Connor, is a constant source of encouragement and pride. Her father, Evan, demonstrates his devotion in quiet, tender routines—gently bathing her each night and carefully applying the special cream that helps protect her fragile skin. Though Brenna has only a small amount of hair, Evan faithfully combs what she does have each day with care and affection.
In many ways, Brenna is like any other child. She finds happiness in playing with her brother, listening to bedtime stories, and being wrapped in the warmth of her family’s love. Her parents are firm believers in her potential, confident that she can achieve anything she sets her heart on.
Courtney shares their family’s journey through daily writing and is the author of A Different Beautiful, a memoir published in August 2016. Through their story, the family hopes to foster greater understanding and acceptance for those who look different—and to show that true beauty is found in resilience, compassion, and the power of unconditional love.
