An Aspiring Model with Down Syndrome Is Ready to Change the World

In 2015, we've seen movements in the modeling world that are long overdue. There are more plus-sized models in magazine spreads and diverse women walking the runway. Now, 18-year-old Madeline Stuart is paving the way for women with Down syndrome to follow their dreams. A few weeks ago, Maddy stated her mission to pursue modeling professionally, and is already receiving global recognition.

"Her doctors told me she would never achieve anything," Maddy's mom, Rosanne Stuart, told Daily Mail Australia. Maddy struggled with her weight her whole life and became frustrated when she couldn't keep up with friends and teammates. Last year, she decided to focus on getting healthy and lost 44 pounds.

The Brisbane, Australia native took on multiple sports and hip-hop dancing (she's moving to LA in July to dance at the world games), and now she's adding modeling to her bucket list. Since spreading the word on her latest journey a few weeks ago, she keeps fans updated via Facebook, where people from around the world reach out to cheer her on ("You are beautiful, inside and out" and "You are really so beautiful keep reaching for the stars pretty lady! You can do it.")

"She really wants to change the way people discriminate against disability," said Rosanne. "People with Down syndrome can do anything, they just do it at their own pace. Give them a chance and you will be rewarded beyond your greatest expectations." Clearly, mom couldn't be more proud of her daughter. "I won lotto the day she was born," she explained.