Girl with Down syndrome defeats doctor’s predictions and turns into a stunningly beautiful model

Approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome. This is a condition where a person is born with an extra chromosome. This extra chromosome, in turn, can cause changes in the baby’s body and brain development during pregnancy. And even though people with Down syndrome may suffer more than others, that doesn’t stop them from being strong and successful.

That’s what Kennedy Garcia’s inspiring story shows. We, from awesome.club, we admire their obstinacy and their attitudes towards life. That’s why we decided to interview her mother so that we could share her inspiring story with you, the reader, as well as show you a gallery of photos of the beautiful Kennedy.

The beginning was difficult for Kennedy, as it is for many other people with Down syndrome. She spent a lot of time in the hospital, but with the help of the doctors, her family, and her own choice and positive attitude, she made it through.

“She has definitely overcome a lot. She has had over 30 surgeries, had leukemia and had spinal fusion surgery as a child. Her path was difficult. She always kept a positive attitude and a smile through everything, even when she was very sick or in pain.”

Modeling and acting come naturally to Kennedy. From a young age, she was able to pursue her gifts. And, even in the face of many challenges, she succeeded. “Kennedy always loved the camera and started modeling for clothing stores when she was 6 years old. Small stores would send her clothes and we would send her pictures in return.”

“We created your Instagram page and american girl found her when she was 10 years old. So she got in touch through an agent and that was her first big job in Los Angeles. She loved every second of the experience and was ‘hooked’! She learned acting and has been doing it ever since.”

“Even before modeling, her first love was always dancing. Kennedy started dancing at the age of 5 after recovering from spinal surgery. She started with simple ballet lessons and then joined a competition team when she was 6 years old.”

“Currently, Kennedy is the only one with special needs on this team and has made her best friends through dancing. This challenged and encouraged her, in addition to teaching her to work as a team and to win, even in the face of defeats. She loves her ‘dance family’ very much and it will always be an essential part of her life, even after she graduates.”

It was 16 years of ups and downs for Kennedy and his family, but luckily, the ups far outweighed the downs! With love, support and willpower, Kennedy was able to thrive. His family played a key role in this, as did his boyfriend and his friends. It is important to have a balance between social life and work.

“There have definitely been ups and downs on our journey, but over 16 years, the good things have far outweighed the bad. When she was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome, we were given a very bleak view of her future… and showed the world what she CAN do.”

Her mother always stood by Kennedy’s side, watching her grow. “Throughout her life, the ‘experts’ told us ‘she never…’ and every time she showed them ‘Oh yes I can!’, just by being who she is. I feel so lucky to be her mom and get a front row seat to her life and watch it all unfold.”

Kennedy definitely went through a lot, but with his kindness and empathy, he was able to brighten the lives of everyone around him. She has her own spark and we are grateful that she shared some of her advice with us.

“Kennedy would go to schools in our area to talk to middle and high school students about Down syndrome, what it is and how to be friends with people with disabilities. She always told them that when you meet someone with a disability and want to strike up a conversation, just say ‘hello’ and you’ll be welcomed! It could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship! And she’s right: it doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated.”

“People with Down syndrome or other disabilities are just like us. And I think that’s what Kennedy strives to show every day on her Instagram account. That she’s a typical teenager… loves to shop, text her friends, sleep late, hang out with her boyfriend, and eat junk food, just like most girls her age. And if people give them a chance, they will find that she is a great friend and a lot of fun!”

“People with disabilities are everywhere: in schools, in the neighborhood, in the workplace…everywhere. We hope you take the opportunity and make a friend like that when you get the chance!”

We believe that Kennedy’s story is truly inspiring for all of us. What did you think of this young woman’s attitudes in the face of difficulties? If you also have inspiring stories, share them with our team in the comments!