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Doctors Didn't Know Unborn Baby Suffered from Rare Condition, Snap All Her Bones During Birth

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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.”

“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.

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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.

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Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.
Sarah Carri is an avid reader and social media guru with a passion for truth and life. Her writing has previously been published in print and online by Focus on the Family and other well known media outlets. Her experience in ministry and Disney entertainment gives her a unique perspective on such topics.

Sarah's experience as a successful working stay-at-home mom and business owner has given her the chance to write and research often. She stays up to date on the latest in entertainment and offers her views on celebrity stories based on her wide knowledge of the industry. Her success as a former preschool teacher and licensed daycare provider lend to her know-how on topics relating to parenting and childhood education.

Her thoughts on faith and family issues stem from home life and ministry work. Sarah takes time to attend workshops and classes annually that help her to improve and hone her writing craft. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature program and her writing has been acclaimed by ACFW and ECPA.
Education
Institute of Children's Literature, Art Institute of Phoenix (Advertising), University of California Irvine (Theater), Snow College (Early Childhood Education)
Location
Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Topics of Expertise
Entertainment, Faith




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