Berent-Weisse Family

01.27.2026

Quincy is 11 years old and has a genetic condition called Angelman syndrome that robs her of normal development, making speech, movement and learning an every day and every minute challenge.

Quincy's only real friends are her sisters. She speaks with her eyes and connects through touch, but when she's pushed to the limit of frustration, and doesn't have the words to express herself, she may pull their hair. She tries to make friends at school or on a playground, starting with soft noises and giggles, often staring at them for a response or even reaching to them for that touch and connection. But kids often don't understand and lose patience, and so they walk away.

01.30.2026

For Quincy, it's the smallest, yet most magical, things in life that bring her immense joy. It's the magic of a bubble - the shine, the glimmer, the moisture, the uniqueness of each one - if she touches it, it pops, then more come. She only has a few words, but one of her first was "bubbles". There aren't many activities that she and her sisters can equally enjoy, as their interests are harder to align with hers as times goes on. But playing in the water with bubbles never gets old for any of them - seeing bubbles, touching bubbles, being surrounded by bubbles. 

That's what happiness looks like for Quincy, and in turn for her family. It's the magic of the small things that grounds them.