Everyday Gifts

Storytelling is one of our foremost cultural currencies. These accounts of past or present serve as stewards of our most universal human themes. When writing a cover feature story, or any other long-form piece of journalism, I like to begin with the question “what is this story really about?” This question helps guide me to the underlying values and offers clear direction.

Getting to know Renee Burke and learning about her journey to becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon, wife, and mother offers themes of family, community, and education—and sheer determination. She recently opened her new location in South Barrington. This newly designed elegant space is not only dreamy for her, but also for her patients to feel welcome and safe.

The success of Dr. Burke’s expansion and growth is rooted in family, the place where we all hope to find love, support, and guidance along the way. Her education to become a doctor started at The University of Michigan, followed by many other top-notch institutions. During the pandemic, Dr. Burke, husband Brady, and their two children moved from Lincoln Park in Chicago to settle into a countryside lifestyle in Barrington Hills. Now they are closer to Brady’s parents in North Barrington, and they’ve found a welcoming community that wasn’t as readily available in the city. These resources of family, community, and education are the everyday gifts we build our lives upon.

Wishing you happy holidays,