In an ideal world, Courtney wishes parents would simply start a conversation when they encounter someone who looks different. “Why do parents avoid talking to people who look different?” she asks. “Why can’t they just say to their kids, ‘I don’t know, but we’re all unique’?”

Courtney’s daughter, Brenna, was born with a rare and visible skin condition. While this has brought challenges, it has also revealed the strength of their family bond. Brenna is a confident, proud little girl with an incredible support system behind her.

Her big brother, Connor, is her loudest cheerleader, always encouraging her and standing by her side. Their father, Evan, shows tender devotion—gently bathing Brenna each night and applying her special skincare cream with care. Though she has very little hair, he combs what she does have every day with love.

In many ways, Brenna is just like any other child. She enjoys playing with her brother, cuddling up for bedtime stories, and dreaming big. Her parents believe wholeheartedly that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to.

To spread awareness and foster empathy, Courtney began sharing their journey through daily writing. In August 2016, she published A Different Beautiful, a heartfelt book that offers a deeper look into their family’s life. Through it, they hope to inspire greater understanding, acceptance, and compassion for those who look different—and to show the power of unconditional love in transforming lives.

Lesson
True beauty isn’t found in appearances, but in how we treat others. Teaching children to embrace differences with kindness and curiosity helps build a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and loved.