Name: Renee Brown
Age: 41
Where do you call home? Andover, Minnesota
Who do you live with? Assisted living
What are some of your interests or hobbies? Baking, diamond painting, volunteering
What is your education? High school graduate
When were you first diagnosed with FA? When I was 14
What are some life hacks that you use daily to make life easier living with FA? That’s a tough question… have an adjustable bed. It helps me a lot.
What has living with FA have taught you? Life is not over and just try and see if it works for me. If I never tried, I would never be Miss Wheelchair Minnesota 2026 or do anything I love. Yes, everything usually takes me longer to accomplish but I accomplish something I’m proud of!
When FA gets you down, what makes you feel better? I like diamond paint or if it’s a really bad day I’ll order Taco Bell!
What advice would you give to someone who has been newly diagnosed? Get an adjustable bed and do something with your hands to build hand/eye coordination. Volunteer so you feel good about your accomplishments of helping others!
What is one way living with FA has Positively changed your life? I am very excited I am now Miss Wheelchair Minnesota 2026!
I have FA, but FA, doesn’t have me, what does that statement mean to you? It means keep living my life and try things!
What is a favorite inspirational quote you remember? My grandma used to say, “Every little bit counts!” I have always lived by those words!
Interviewed by
Michael Gambino