Long before Finlee June was old enough to understand why people sometimes stared, she already had someone who never needed an explanation — her big sister, Maylee.

Born in February in Newberry, Florida, Finlee was diagnosed with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare condition affecting the development of the bones and tissues of the face. Her prenatal scans had shown a small jaw, but genetic testing had been normal.

From her very first moments, Finlee faced a difficult medical journey. Her tiny jaw made it hard for her to maintain an airway, so doctors placed a tracheostomy shortly after birth. She spent months in intensive care and needed a ventilator before eventually going home with a breathing tube, feeding tube and hearing aids.

For her parents, Lorin and Jeremy Messer, every milestone became something to celebrate.

“We never wanted Finlee’s differences to define her,” her family shared. “We just wanted people to see the happy, determined little girl behind them.”

Her journey also became a lesson in acceptance for her community. Finlee visited around 130 first graders at Newberry Elementary after they had read We’re All Wonders. She played catch, showed the children that she could walk, and simply enjoyed being herself.

One young student summed it up perfectly: “She does ordinary stuff, and she does the same things as little kids.”

And perhaps nobody understands that better than Maylee.

The sisters have grown up side by side — sharing couches, matching outfits, toys and countless ordinary childhood moments. To Maylee, Finlee’s trach and hearing aids are not something that makes her different. They are simply part of the sister she loves.

“She’s always been my sister first,” their family says. “We hope Finlee grows up knowing that she belongs exactly where she is — surrounded by people who love her.”

Finlee’s journey has never been an easy one, but through every appointment, every challenge and every new milestone, she has continued moving forward.