Brenna’s tale is one of conquering any and all hurdles, as well as a reminder of how unconditional a parent’s love is.
There are parents who give up on their children simply because they are different-looking.
That is why it is critical that we bring inspiring stories to the public’s attention, stories in which parents and children demonstrate that no task is too great if they work together.
It’s also a valuable lesson for anyone who has ever assessed someone only on the basis of their appearance.
Courtney and Evan Westlake were happy living their lives with their son Connor when they found out Courtney was pregnant for the second time.
Of course, the couple was overjoyed to learn that their family would be growing.
They were looking forward to their first ultrasound, just like any other pregnant parents.
The physicians told them that everything was fine with their growing child every time they left the hospital.
Courtney and Evan found out they were having a girl a few months into the pregnancy: Connor was going to have a little sister!
The couple was ecstatic, and they began to fantasize about all the benefits a little girl would bring to their family.
“I guess I’ll have to learn how to braid hair now,” dad Evan joked.
Just a few weeks before New Year’s Eve, the big day arrived. The baby girl was delivered, but the couple’s preparations for acclimating her to her new home were thwarted.
Brenna, their daughter, was born with a thick coat of white scales. She wasn’t moving, had a high body temperature, and was covered with sores all over her body.
Brenna required rapid medical attention; otherwise, she would not live.
Only two weeks after her birth, Courtney and Evan were able to hold their baby for the first time.
Brenna was born with a terrible inherited illness called Harlequin ichthyosis, which they discovered. Brenna’s body produces skin 10 times faster as a result of the condition.
It causes her to get red all over and affects her eyes, lips, nose, and ears.
The condition is incurable and frequently lethal.
With all of the physical difficulties that come with Harlekin ichthyosis, the parents knew they were in for a long journey.
When Courtney is out with Brenna, she frequently encounters individuals who point, make loud comments, or ask offensive questions.
It depresses her. She understands why children are interested in Brenna because of her unusual features.
What irritates Courtney the most are the reactions she receives from many parents. As soon as they see Brenna, they move their children away from her and tell them to be quiet when they get close to her.
Instead of looking away and leaving the playground, Courtney would prefer that parents come up to her and Brenna and chat to them.
Brenna, on the other hand, is a proud and self-assured little girl who refuses to let anyone knock her down. She is self-assured as a result of her family’s encouragement.
Particularly from big brother Connor, who adores his younger sister.
“Why do parents want to avoid interacting with people who are different in appearance?” What do they have a fear of? They could simply come up to me and ask how old Brenna is,” Courney says, adding, “They could just come up to me and ask how old Brenna is.”
“Why can’t they just be honest and say, ‘I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter how we look,’ when their youngster asks why Brenna is so red and swollen? “Aren’t we all different?”
Despite their difficult days, Evan, Courtney, and Connor are incredibly proud of their little fighter – and rightfully so.
Dad Evan bathes his kid every evening, which must be done meticulously and deliberately every day.
The same father who joked about braiding her daughter’s hair now gently but gradually massages her with a cloth to remove flaky skin.
Brenna’s illness also means she doesn’t have much hair, but her father meticulously combs the hair she does have every day.
Brenna is, in many respects, just like any other child. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially playing games and listening to bedtime stories with her father and older brother.
Brenna’s parents are certain that she can achieve any goals she sets for herself, despite the fact that life hasn’t gone as planned.
Courtney now keeps a blog, Blessed by Brenna, where she chronicles her family’s lives, and she’s also authored a book, A Different Beautiful, which was released in August 2016.
The family hopes that by sharing their personal and emotional tale, others would be better able to comprehend and accept those who have diverse appearances.
And isn’t Brenna stunning in her own right?
Please help Brenna and her family raise awareness of her condition by sharing her inspiring story.
We can ensure that all children have a pleasant, prejudice-free upbringing if we work together.