KM Viray
BRISBANE, Australia—Madeline Stuart, known as “Maddy,” may have Down syndrome, but she is changing the world of modeling unlike any other model has.
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that typically causes some levels of learning disability and has characteristic physical features, but this never stopped Maddy from going for her dreams.
Maddy wanted to keep up with her friends in sports, but found she was too heavy. This spurred her on to work out and lose weight. She went into sports such as swimming, cricket, dancing, cheerleading, gymnastics, and basketball. After she lost 44 lbs, she decided to start modeling.
Roseanne, Maddy’s mom, said that her daughter is modeling to spread awareness about Down syndrome. “She really wants to change the way people discriminate against [the] disability,” she said. “I think it is time people realised that people with Down syndrome can be sexy and beautiful and should be celebrated.”
Roseanne expresses her delight in sharing that Maddy isn’t the least bit insecure of her condition and is confident in herself and in her abilities. Maddy wishes to advocate living an active and healthy lifestyle in those with disabilities and that they too can do everything everyone else can.
As for Roseanne, she wishes to inspire parents like herself and to raise awareness about what it’s like being a parent of a child with Down syndrome.
On her Facebook page, Maddy introduces herself as an aspiring model. “Modeling will help change societies view of people with Down Syndrome, exposure will help to create acceptance in life.”
Maddy also proudly shares, “I am 18 years old, I am very healthy, I do sports 6 days a week and compete in cricket, gymnastics, basketball, swimming, dancing, and cheerleading. [Fourteen] 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.”
Photos grabbed from Maddy’s Facebook page.
