Doctors Didn't Know Unborn Baby Suffered from Rare Condition, Snap All Her Bones During Birth
Self-acceptance and body positivity are terms we often see on social media. But what does it mean to truly love and accept yourself for who you are?
It can’t be based on others’ definitions. Our devices are flooded with apps that help us look thinner, tanner, and overall “more” than how we really are.
Is it more, though? Or do special filters and photo editing apps make us less than all we could be if we simply showed authenticity?
Authenticity is a rarity in our culture, but one woman from the United Kingdom is standing up and showing the world what being true to who you are is all about.
Thirty-two-year-old Samantha Renke was born with a genetic condition known as osteogenesis imperfecta, or in layman’s terms “brittle bone disease.”
“I’ve had over 200 fractures in my life,” she told The Wright Stuff. “I actually had fractures whilst I was in my mum’s belly.”
Renke shared how the doctors had no idea she had the condition in utero, so when they delivered her they broke her bones at birth.
Though Renke lives with this rare disability, it hasn’t stopped her from living life to the fullest and advocating for others with disabilities to do the same.
Not only does this amazing woman campaign for accessible homes in the U.K., but she also writes for the Huffington Post and has appeared as a panelist on London’s “Loose Women.”
Are you #ForAccessibleHomes ? @Habinteg @amylame @SadiqKhan @sophmorg @SophieRunning @ParallelGlobal @LouiseVisABLE @VictoriaLIVE @LondonLive @InclusionLondon pic.twitter.com/WqJjmzKGKQ
— Samantha Renke (@SamanthaRenke) September 12, 2018
“I wouldn’t change myself at all,” she said on Loose Women in July. “I get to do so many amazing things.”
Amazing is right. Renke wrote a Huffington Post article and talked about how she acted in the indie film “Little Devil,” and also had the privilege of appearing in a television ad for Maltesers candy.
Her appearance in the ad sparked bullying on social media. But Renke’s outlook has remained positive as she continues to spread awareness about living with a disability.
“Disability hate speech seems to be a growing issue,” she wrote in another article for Huffington Post. “I truly believe schools have a responsibility to not only tackle all types of bullying, but to prepare young people … by creating classrooms that celebrate difference.”
Her words are true and inspiring. To learn more about Samantha Renke and all that she does, you can follow her on Facebook or Twitter.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
