Madeline Stuart is an 18-year-old aspiring model, and she’s here to challenge society’s rigid definition of what “beautiful” is.
Madeline, who lives in Brisbane, Australia, has Down syndrome.
She writes on her Facebook page that she believes;
“modeling will help change [society’s] view of people with Down syndrome.”
“Exposure will help to create acceptance,” she says.
According to WPVI-TV, Madeline struggled with her weight as a youngster. Thanks to healthy eating and exercise, the teen lost 45 pounds. Madeline now dances, swims and does gymnastics and cheerleading.
Madeline’s mom, Rosanne Stuart, said she hopes her daughter will inspire other individuals with Down syndrome to make similarly positive lifestyle choices. Studies have suggested that children with Down syndrome are more prone to be overweight.
“People with Down syndrome can do anything,” Stuart told Buzzfeed. “They just do it at their own pace. Give them a chance and you will be rewarded beyond your greatest expectations.”
“I think it is time people realized that people with Down syndrome can be sexy and beautiful and should be celebrated,” she added.
Earlier this year, actress Jamie Brewer became the first person with Down syndrome to ever walk the runway at New York Fashion Week.
According to Buzzfeed, Madeline — who is already landing modeling gigs — is currently looking for an agent.
In the meantime, the teen is winning the Interwebs. She has more than 378,000 Facebook fans so far.
“I am so happy and blessed,” Madeline wrote on Facebook, as her story went viral.
“So happy that everyone is sharing the love,” she said in a later post.
Madeline’s Bio:
I am 18 years old, I am very healthy, I do sport 6 days a week and compete in Cricket, Gymnastics, Basketball, Swimming, Dancing and Cheer leading. 14 months ago I was very overweight and decided I needed to change my lifestyle and eating habits so I would live a long healthy life. Now I have decided I would like to help others to also achieve this, this Facebook page is done with the help of my mum as I could not do it on my own. She is my biggest supporter.
Kindness Blog 
Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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What a story!
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Reblogged this on Ramblings of the Claury.
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Wonderful story.
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Terrific story. Thanks for sharing.
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We need more diverse representation among teen models..this could really help alleviate some of the bullying issues in school.
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She is sooooo beautiful. All the best to Madeline
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Fantasitc!
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Reblogged this on Sunshinebright and commented:
Madeline Stuart is amazing. She has Down Syndrome and is accomplishing one dream after another. Read her story:
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Reblogged this on The Boy Who Couldn't Smile and commented:
I am always inspired to see someone challenging the norm.
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this is great.
It is the ability to leave behind the lies we are told about ourselves that is important as well.
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Reblogged this on Hope Soup.
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