Progress Doesn’t Look the Same for Everyone – by Rebekah Westergaard

My name is Rebekah Westergaard, and I’m 34 years old. I was diagnosed with Turner syndrome (TS) before I was born. While it has shaped parts of my life, it has never defined my worth or limited what I believe is possible for me. I was born in the north, raised in Florida, and now live in Ohio.

I’m the youngest of three siblings—and the only girl—which taught me early on how to be resilient. I grew up going to Disney and am still a proud Disney nerd. I work as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), supporting individuals with disabilities, a role that is deeply meaningful to me because I understand what it’s like to navigate life with challenges others may not see.

Living with Turner syndrome comes with struggles that aren’t always visible. I went through years of growth hormone injections and later transitioned to female hormone replacement therapy. One of the hardest ongoing battles has been finding doctors who truly understand Turner syndrome - or even know what it is. Advocacy often becomes a full-time job on its own, but it’s necessary.

One of my greatest accomplishments was learning to drive and eventually getting hearing aids. I didn’t receive my driver’s license until I was 24. It took professional instruction, patience, and a lot of practice to overcome depth perception challenges—but I did it. That experience taught me that progress doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that’s okay.

Growing up, I was often told what I wouldn’t be able to do. I chose not to let those words take root. What I’m most proud of is continuing to move forward, even when things take longer or require more effort. Turner syndrome may make life different, but different does not mean less.

My faith has carried me through the hardest moments and reminded me that I was never walking this journey alone. If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: stay close to God and never stop believing in what He can do through you. I share my story to help raise awareness of Turner syndrome and to remind anyone facing challenges that your life still holds purpose, strength, and possibility. You are more capable than you’ve been told.