09/17/2026
Anna is 9 today.
I've been sharing this incredible little girl for more than a year, and in that time we've watched her start third grade, become a star student, proudly show off her artwork, and discover a whole new confidence when she picked out her first wig.
Today, I just want us to celebrate her.
Anna lives with Harlequin ichthyosis, a rare genetic condition that severely affects her skin and requires constant care, including hours spent in a microsilk bath nearly every day. It's something she deals with every single day, but after following her this long, I hope her condition is no longer the first thing you see when you look at her. Because there is so much more to Anna.
Last June, her school recognized her as a star student after finishing third grade. We've watched her proudly show off her artwork. And earlier this year, her mom, Jennie, shared the emotional moment Anna tried on her first wig, a pink one named Kelsey, and immediately seemed to stand a little taller. "Her whole body changed, her face, her posture and demeanor," Jennie said. Anna grinned into the mirror and declared, "I dig the wig."
And through all of it, that unmistakable Anna smile.
Her family posted this morning: "Anna is 9 today! If you see her make sure you say happy birthday."
A lot of us won't see Anna in person today, but we can still make sure she feels celebrated. So let's show up for her again.
Happy 9th birthday, Anna! Anna loves reading the messages people leave for her, so tell her where you're wishing her a happy birthday from. She'd love to see just how far around the world people are celebrating with her today.
And Anna, after more than a year of watching you grow, smile, create, learn, and make your family proud, being 9 is going to look awfully good on you.
Happy Birthday, Star Student.