Renna’s Story
About Renna
Renna was born on February 29, 2020 — a Leap Day baby who has been rewriting timelines ever since.
Like many parents, I assumed our journey would follow the typical path. I believed she was simply developing at her own pace and that eventually things would fall into place. But over time, it became clear that Renna’s path was going to look different from what I had imagined.
Eventually we received the diagnosis of Pitt Hopkins Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects development, communication, and mobility.
That moment changed everything.
Suddenly our world filled with new language and systems I had never navigated before. Therapies, specialists, adaptive equipment, insurance approvals, safety planning, and constant research became part of everyday life. I quickly realized how overwhelming it can be for families trying to piece together information while also caring for a child who depends on them in so many ways.
There were moments of grief. Moments of frustration. Moments where the future felt uncertain.
But there have also been moments of incredible growth.
Renna has a determination that constantly reminds me not to place limits on what she can do. Just because she does things differently doesn’t mean she can’t do them. It simply means she finds her own way.
One of the moments that will always stay with me is when Renna began walking independently. For a long time we weren’t sure if that milestone would come. Watching her take those first steps after years of therapy and hard work was something I will never forget. It was a powerful reminder that progress doesn’t always follow the timeline we expect, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.
Renna is non-speaking and communicates without words, yet she has an incredible ability to connect with people. Anyone who spends time with her quickly experiences her curiosity, her joy, and the way she lights up when she feels understood.
She belongs everywhere she goes.
Why I Created Renna’s Corner
As I navigated this journey, I spent countless hours researching products, therapies, fundraising options, safety tools, and resources that could help make our daily life more manageable.
Some things worked well. Many didn’t.
Over time I realized how valuable it is to find tools that actually work in real life, especially when you’re already balancing therapies, appointments, paperwork, and the emotional weight that can come with parenting a child with complex needs.
I created Renna’s Corner to share what I’ve learned along the way.
This space is meant to be a curated hub where families can find trusted resources, helpful product recommendations, fundraising guidance, and encouragement from someone walking this road too.
My goal isn’t perfection.
My goal is to help families feel less alone and more supported as they navigate their own journey.
A Little More About Me
In addition to being Renna’s mom, I also serve as a Care Ministry Assistant at my church, where I help connect people with practical support during difficult seasons. I’ve always been someone who enjoys researching solutions, building systems, and helping people find resources that make life a little easier.
I also recently learned that I have ADHD, which has been another journey of learning and growth. Understanding how my brain works has helped me build better systems for our family and approach life with more patience and self-awareness.
Some random things about me:
I drink pre-workout even on days I don’t work out.
I love finding efficient systems that simplify life.
And I deeply believe that community makes hard seasons easier.
You Are Not Alone Here
If you’re raising a child with disabilities, navigating a diagnosis, figuring out therapies, searching for equipment, or simply trying to breathe in the middle of it all, I hope Renna’s Corner becomes a place where you feel supported.
Every family’s journey looks different.
But none of us were meant to walk it alone.
