The World Works Better With Us: Meet Luna

“I just want kids to accept who you are,” Luna said. “Don’t change who you are. See me. Don’t judge me.”

It’s a simple message, but one Luna has spent her life living.

A recent high school graduate, leader, athlete, artist, and self-advocate, Luna has learned that being different is not something to hide. It’s something to celebrate.

Born with an extraordinarily rare combination of diagnoses, Complete Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (C-ACC) and Turner Syndrome Mosaic, Luna’s family was given very few answers about what her future might hold. Complete Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum means Luna was born without the corpus callosum, the bundle of nerve fibers that connects the right and left sides of the brain. While some individuals are born with Partial Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, meaning only part of the connection is missing, Luna was born with Complete Agenesis, meaning the corpus callosum never developed. Turner Syndrome is a genetic condition that affects only females and is caused by the partial or complete absence of one of the X chromosomes. In Luna’s case, she has Turner Syndrome Mosaic, meaning only some of her cells are affected. According to Luna’s mom, Michelle, there are only a handful of medically documented cases of C-ACC and Turner Syndrome Mosaic occurring together. At the time, doctors knew very little about how this rare combination of diagnoses might affect Luna’s development and cautioned her family about the challenges ahead.

Michelle often describes the corpus callosum as a bridge connecting the right and left sides of the brain. While most people are born with that connection, Luna has spent her life learning to navigate the world without it. Rather than focusing on limitations, Luna and her family focused on possibilities.

“I decided right then that I was going to help Luna be the best version of herself that she could be,” Michelle said.

Over the years, that determination, combined with Luna’s perseverance, opened doors that once seemed impossible.

When Luna talks about what she’s most proud of today, her answer reflects that journey.

“I’m proud of succeeding in things that I always get nervous about trying,” she said. “I always get nervous trying new things, but I try.”

That willingness to step outside her comfort zone has helped Luna become a leader, advocate, graduate, athlete, artist, and role model for others.

In high school, Luna became involved in leadership programs where students learned public speaking, created presentations, and shared their experiences with school leaders. What started as nervousness about speaking in front of others gradually turned into confidence and self-advocacy. Through those experiences, Luna discovered that her voice mattered.

She also became deeply involved in Unified activities and Special Olympics, helping create a more inclusive school community. During her senior year, Luna competed in Unified Bowling, attended school events with friends, ran for prom court, participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for her school’s new turf field, and graduated surrounded by classmates who knew, supported, and celebrated her. Her senior year was filled with opportunities to be seen, included, and recognized for who she is.

For Michelle, those moments represented years of advocating for inclusion.

“We fought so hard for inclusion,” she said. “This is what happens when you believe. When you let them believe in themselves.”

Today, Luna continues building independence through her transition program and through The Arc Pikes Peak Region’s Succeeding in School and Life and Empower You programs. She participates in community exploration activities, volunteers in the community, develops employment skills, and continues growing as a self-advocate and leader.

Michelle believes one of the most important lessons Luna has learned is how to advocate for herself.

“It’s really important that we teach our kids those ‘I’ statements: ‘I feel,’ ‘I need,’ ‘I want,'” Michelle explained. “Those will take them so much further than anything I can shout.”

But if you ask Michelle what makes her most proud of Luna, her answer isn’t about awards, graduation, or accomplishments.

It’s kindness.

“I always tell her that kindness is her superpower,” Michelle said. “I watched her turn a bully into a friend because of kindness.”

That kindness, and Luna’s determination to be herself, reflect this year’s Disability Pride Month theme: The World Works Better With Us.

“People with disabilities are different, not less,” Michelle said. “They see the world from a different viewpoint than we do, and it’s amazing to learn what they see.”

Luna’s life is proof of that. Through her leadership, advocacy, creativity, and compassion, she has helped create more inclusive spaces for herself and others. Whether she’s volunteering in the community, participating in leadership programs, building friendships, or simply showing up as her authentic self, Luna demonstrates the value that people with disabilities bring to our schools, workplaces, and communities every day.

Today, Luna is continuing to grow, explore new opportunities, and build the future she wants for herself. When asked about her goals, her answer reflects the confidence she has worked hard to develop.

“Be myself.”

For Luna, that goal is more than enough. It is a reminder that disability pride is not about overcoming who you are. It’s about embracing who you are. By leading with kindness, taking on new challenges, and encouraging others to look beyond labels, Luna is showing her community that when everyone is welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute, the world truly works better with us.