18-year-old Madeline Stuart recently decided to become a model. Her story is making headlines and winning support because of one little difference, however – Maddy has Down syndrome.
Because she enjoys swimming and dancing, Maddy was frustrated by the extra weight she had holding her back. With the help of her mother, Rosanne, she lost 44lbs (20kg). Her new-found energy and confidence inspired her to try modeling, and her inspiring story soon found a supporter in the Living Dead label, which prides itself on signing models of diverse body types.
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Meet Maddy, an 18-year-old with Down syndrome who wants to be a model
After she lost 44lbs (20kg) to keep healthy, she decided to start modeling
“She really wants to change the way people discriminate against disability,” said Maddy’s mother
“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”
“I think it is time people realized that people with Down syndrome can be sexy and beautiful”
“I want people to stop saying ‘I’m sorry’ when I tell them my daughter has Down syndrome, because it’s a very naive statement”
“If the average person could see the beauty Maddy has inside, how loving and caring she is and if that is what people measured beauty on, then most of the models in the world would have Down syndrome”
“I feel so blessed to have a daughter like Maddy, I won lotto the day she was born”
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Share on Facebooki hope her journey will be as empowering as expected. she is beautiful either way.
Yes she should be a model! Change the world baby girl Wow you look amazing.
My 14yr old daughter, designer Kimanni Thompson, owner/creator of Kimanni Kouture fashions would be honored to work with Madeline Stuart.
I think she looks really beautiful & I think it's wonderful she is folowing her heart <3 & well done to her for losing all that weight too!
She's got this in the bag what a powerful young lady! Absolutely beautiful
Change how the world see things! So proud of you enjoy what is to come your way! Because you are so beautiful.
Sorry, I meant she is a really beautiful woman ;)
Load More Replies...As a photogragrapher I would love to take pictures of this beautiful young lady!
She was beautiful before and still is you go girl show them you can do anything
She is so beautiful! I'm waiting now for cover magazine appearance. And I hope she won't quit, and that support and attention will go on.
She's the beautiful proof, that having down syndrome isn't gonna stop her or anyone from following her dreams.
She amazing god bless her keep on the good job more power to the mother for helping her daughter the power of love can over come
She is beautiful! This is beautiful! What determination and good cause. Love this. Love her! ❤️
I think shes just beautiful!!!! She will be a fantastic model and sn inspiring role model... way to go!##
I didn't even know she had Down syndrome I thought she was just a normal beautiful teen modeling. Way to go girl shoot for the stars!
Whether she has Down syndrome or not she deserves to live her dreams and fulfill it. Regardless she's beautiful in every way
Never seen such Beauty in a photo i hope she makes it an good luck too her ^^
That is great! She should totally become a model for clothes.... maybe I don't know but anyone would be lucky for her to work for them.. !
i think she is absolutely beautiful. Good for her. Keep going young lady. You look amazing nd dont ever let anyone tell u differant.
You go girl!!! You are beautiful! !!!!! Don't let anyone or anything get in the way of your dreams! !!!!! Good luck! !!!
ihope that Maddy's career absolutely shoots to the top of the fashion world! A real woman empowering hrr dreams! Bless her mother's heart as
She's beautiful and should have a modeling career if that's what she wants .
Well done for what you have achieved so far and good luck for the future you look amazing xxx
This young lady is just amazing! Stunning, beautiful, inspirational... words don't even to cover it!
Now that's cool !! I'm happy she doing what she wants ,more power to you girl. Go for the gold
BEAUTIFUL!!!! You go girl!!!! Our nation is full of sterotypes, judgemental and ignorance it's WONDERFUL to see her pursue what she wants
Wow. She is very beautiful. And she is already a talented model.
Beautiful Pics dont give up on your dreams Maddy from Chch NZ <3 xxxooo
She is as beautiful as any model I have seen and even more beautiful than some I have seen. You go Maddy.
I think she's a beautiful young lady and she shouldn't care wat people think all she she needs is to believe in her self and have faith ...
She is beautiful and I'm glad she's not letting something that's such a big deal to others get her down stay strong and keep on keeping on
She is not just adorable she is beautiful. You go girl and God Bless Maddy and her mother. Mom you are an inspiration.
She is so beautiful!! I have a Down syndrome sister and I absolute agree with you about beauty being on the inside. You go girl!!!!
I think she is beautiful, and think it's a great idea, these days u only see skiny boney models. This world needs real every day life modes
Go for it Maddy! You are beautiful and can do anything when you try hard enough!
YOU ARE GORGEOUS! Keep up the good work lady! You are an inspiration for many! Awesomeness!
That's is so awesome! Thank you Maddy for dreaming so big and putting your heart to it! God is good ♡
What a beautiful girl - even before the weight loss! Way to go Maddy - very inspirational :)
What a beautiful girl - even before the weight loss. Way to go Maddy!
Pretty cool.. I hope she makes it. She beautiful and looks like she is having so much fun.
Real beauty radiates from the soul, and this young lady is a shining example of that, She's a stunner. Good luck and God Bless. xxxx
True beauty inside and out, what a truly inspiring young lady! Keep up the good work and I wish you every success in your quest, much love x
I saw the pictures and not the article I thought she was just a normal beautiful teen! Shoot for the stars girl!
She is a very beautiful and stunning young woman. You can just see the confidence radiating off of her!
Get it girrrllll! She is beautiful with or without dropping the weight! Chase your dreams my dear!
I think she is beautiful, so proud of her achievements so far. Go get em Maddy girl!
You go girl. You show your beauty any way you can. Beautiful pictures...
Wow! She is really beautiful, Maddy u show all those heaters there wrong, U go girl!
Hope to see more of this beautiful lady. Inspirational and a mind changer.
You have my vote little girl you are beautiful inside and out that's what we need as examples for other young ladies
Maddy you are beautiful, all the best to you. You have ehat it takes!!
Very beautiful someone sign her quick cause we dont discriminate in this country or do we ????
there are companies that make clothes just for people with down syndrome maybe you can model for them. contact me on FB for more info.
But why did she have to lose weight to be recognized as a model if the label "supports different body types"?
From a male none woke old fashion point of view, pretty girl I dont see why downs has to come into it she is just a very beautiful girl of cause she can be a model.
UTTERLY WONDERFUL - SHE IS SOOOO BEAUTIFUL - and NO-ONE should tell her otherwise A disability should NOT be a Disability - IT SHOULD BE CALLED UNIQUENESS ..
She's really cute! She looks like she really enjoys modelling as well
People with down sydrome have a rare beauty. It's time for the rest of the world to see it! She is breathtaking and an inspiration to us all. Live your dream sister!
The modeling industry is superficial. Maybe that is necessary because the customers are superficial. Or maybe because it is necessary. I'm not so eager to fault the industry. However, why shouldn't she be a model? And even if she does not reach that vague goal - whatever it is - to Natalie's point, the journey will be educational.
I think she is beautiful! In the picture of her jumping she looks almost like actress Karen Gillan from Doctor Who.
I think it's wonderful! I have a nephew who's Downs and he's a wonderful person!
She's beautiful! Has the look of being biracial, w/ Asian features, beautiful!
She looks better then any lady gaga or miley cyrus. Good for you on not giving up your goals...so many of us do these days
I have a niece that has Down syndrome and she is such a sweet and loving little girl. She's only four but this story is inspiring. What a be
She is a very beautiful young lady and I think that there is no surgery that can make her anymore beautiful than she already is
Shes a becon of light to all who are diffrent dont let peoples hate hold you back from your dreams being diffrent my self i can say im proud
She was/is beautiful AND courageous! Reach for the star sweetheart, you can do anything you set your mind to! ❤️
She is absolutely stunning! Good for her in trying to change how people look at those with down syndrome :)
Beautiful young lady ! Good luck to her.. I hope she gets LOTS of work! :-)
She is precious and her most beautiful trait is her desire to prove that anyone with Down's syndrome can accomplish anything!!!
She is beautiful and I love the outfits! I'd be proud if I was Her mum xx
So "the industry" found a way to turn her into a sex symbol anyway. Figures.
I thing maddy can do anything she wants and I hope she secede In her Models you go maddy
She is gorgeous not for a girl with down syndrome but just gorgeous period!!!
I could not be more proud of you, Maddy! Can't wait to see you on the newsstand! And I wear the exact same Chuck's!
Shes beautiful! Shes more 'real' to me than your average model. We need more Maddys in the world! You go girl!
Why not be a model? She is beautiful and she has lost all that weight. Her Mum needs to be praised for helping her. Well done both of you
She feels things so much stronger than the rest of us - I would hate to see her crushed.
It is hard for anyone to make it as a model because of those standards.
She is quite beautiful. The harsh reality is the modeling world is cold and very picky about physical traits.
Sexualizing her isn't empowering for her, its wrong. Society needs to help her feel beautiful without sexualizing her.
She's 18 years old and wearing a bikini. That isn't "sexualizing" her. She's an adult modeling like an adult.
Load More Replies...This is awesome. As a Special Ed teacher and knowing there are perverts out there, I am worried about the 'sexy' part.
I think she beautiful anyway and if modelling is what she wants to do then that's great and she has the determination she will get there
This is amazing. She is amazing, beautiful and very confident! Good on her!
Well,she is strong,determined and energetic. Good that she has realized her dream. Good luck and enjoy yourself, Maddy!
She's very pretty but I don't understand why EVERY post about her mentions that she lost weight....it's like we're lookin at a girl who is breaking down all kinds of barriers but in order to do that she had to loose weight? It seems strange to me I mean great for her for wanting to be healthier but to mention it in 3 other posts seems a bit much.
1. The photographer is her mother 2. I am yet to hear someone these days discriminate against a down syndrome person. 3. What does she need empowering from? I'm sensing a gross feminism vibe here. Props to her for getting out of the shell and getting somewhere. More people giving them a chance the better the world.
Glad, but there are perverts... who would take advantage of a sweetheart like this with mom saying, ' sexy'. She needs to rephrase that!
Maybe I'm a product of the past, but people with genetic inheritable disabilities reproducing makes me uncomfortable.
i hope her journey will be as empowering as expected. she is beautiful either way.
Yes she should be a model! Change the world baby girl Wow you look amazing.
My 14yr old daughter, designer Kimanni Thompson, owner/creator of Kimanni Kouture fashions would be honored to work with Madeline Stuart.
I think she looks really beautiful & I think it's wonderful she is folowing her heart <3 & well done to her for losing all that weight too!
She's got this in the bag what a powerful young lady! Absolutely beautiful
Change how the world see things! So proud of you enjoy what is to come your way! Because you are so beautiful.
Sorry, I meant she is a really beautiful woman ;)
Load More Replies...As a photogragrapher I would love to take pictures of this beautiful young lady!
She was beautiful before and still is you go girl show them you can do anything
She is so beautiful! I'm waiting now for cover magazine appearance. And I hope she won't quit, and that support and attention will go on.
She's the beautiful proof, that having down syndrome isn't gonna stop her or anyone from following her dreams.
She amazing god bless her keep on the good job more power to the mother for helping her daughter the power of love can over come
She is beautiful! This is beautiful! What determination and good cause. Love this. Love her! ❤️
I think shes just beautiful!!!! She will be a fantastic model and sn inspiring role model... way to go!##
I didn't even know she had Down syndrome I thought she was just a normal beautiful teen modeling. Way to go girl shoot for the stars!
Whether she has Down syndrome or not she deserves to live her dreams and fulfill it. Regardless she's beautiful in every way
Never seen such Beauty in a photo i hope she makes it an good luck too her ^^
That is great! She should totally become a model for clothes.... maybe I don't know but anyone would be lucky for her to work for them.. !
i think she is absolutely beautiful. Good for her. Keep going young lady. You look amazing nd dont ever let anyone tell u differant.
You go girl!!! You are beautiful! !!!!! Don't let anyone or anything get in the way of your dreams! !!!!! Good luck! !!!
ihope that Maddy's career absolutely shoots to the top of the fashion world! A real woman empowering hrr dreams! Bless her mother's heart as
She's beautiful and should have a modeling career if that's what she wants .
Well done for what you have achieved so far and good luck for the future you look amazing xxx
This young lady is just amazing! Stunning, beautiful, inspirational... words don't even to cover it!
Now that's cool !! I'm happy she doing what she wants ,more power to you girl. Go for the gold
BEAUTIFUL!!!! You go girl!!!! Our nation is full of sterotypes, judgemental and ignorance it's WONDERFUL to see her pursue what she wants
Wow. She is very beautiful. And she is already a talented model.
Beautiful Pics dont give up on your dreams Maddy from Chch NZ <3 xxxooo
She is as beautiful as any model I have seen and even more beautiful than some I have seen. You go Maddy.
I think she's a beautiful young lady and she shouldn't care wat people think all she she needs is to believe in her self and have faith ...
She is beautiful and I'm glad she's not letting something that's such a big deal to others get her down stay strong and keep on keeping on
She is not just adorable she is beautiful. You go girl and God Bless Maddy and her mother. Mom you are an inspiration.
She is so beautiful!! I have a Down syndrome sister and I absolute agree with you about beauty being on the inside. You go girl!!!!
I think she is beautiful, and think it's a great idea, these days u only see skiny boney models. This world needs real every day life modes
Go for it Maddy! You are beautiful and can do anything when you try hard enough!
YOU ARE GORGEOUS! Keep up the good work lady! You are an inspiration for many! Awesomeness!
That's is so awesome! Thank you Maddy for dreaming so big and putting your heart to it! God is good ♡
What a beautiful girl - even before the weight loss! Way to go Maddy - very inspirational :)
What a beautiful girl - even before the weight loss. Way to go Maddy!
Pretty cool.. I hope she makes it. She beautiful and looks like she is having so much fun.
Real beauty radiates from the soul, and this young lady is a shining example of that, She's a stunner. Good luck and God Bless. xxxx
True beauty inside and out, what a truly inspiring young lady! Keep up the good work and I wish you every success in your quest, much love x
I saw the pictures and not the article I thought she was just a normal beautiful teen! Shoot for the stars girl!
She is a very beautiful and stunning young woman. You can just see the confidence radiating off of her!
Get it girrrllll! She is beautiful with or without dropping the weight! Chase your dreams my dear!
I think she is beautiful, so proud of her achievements so far. Go get em Maddy girl!
You go girl. You show your beauty any way you can. Beautiful pictures...
Wow! She is really beautiful, Maddy u show all those heaters there wrong, U go girl!
Hope to see more of this beautiful lady. Inspirational and a mind changer.
You have my vote little girl you are beautiful inside and out that's what we need as examples for other young ladies
Maddy you are beautiful, all the best to you. You have ehat it takes!!
Very beautiful someone sign her quick cause we dont discriminate in this country or do we ????
there are companies that make clothes just for people with down syndrome maybe you can model for them. contact me on FB for more info.
But why did she have to lose weight to be recognized as a model if the label "supports different body types"?
From a male none woke old fashion point of view, pretty girl I dont see why downs has to come into it she is just a very beautiful girl of cause she can be a model.
UTTERLY WONDERFUL - SHE IS SOOOO BEAUTIFUL - and NO-ONE should tell her otherwise A disability should NOT be a Disability - IT SHOULD BE CALLED UNIQUENESS ..
She's really cute! She looks like she really enjoys modelling as well
People with down sydrome have a rare beauty. It's time for the rest of the world to see it! She is breathtaking and an inspiration to us all. Live your dream sister!
The modeling industry is superficial. Maybe that is necessary because the customers are superficial. Or maybe because it is necessary. I'm not so eager to fault the industry. However, why shouldn't she be a model? And even if she does not reach that vague goal - whatever it is - to Natalie's point, the journey will be educational.
I think she is beautiful! In the picture of her jumping she looks almost like actress Karen Gillan from Doctor Who.
I think it's wonderful! I have a nephew who's Downs and he's a wonderful person!
She's beautiful! Has the look of being biracial, w/ Asian features, beautiful!
She looks better then any lady gaga or miley cyrus. Good for you on not giving up your goals...so many of us do these days
I have a niece that has Down syndrome and she is such a sweet and loving little girl. She's only four but this story is inspiring. What a be
She is a very beautiful young lady and I think that there is no surgery that can make her anymore beautiful than she already is
Shes a becon of light to all who are diffrent dont let peoples hate hold you back from your dreams being diffrent my self i can say im proud
She was/is beautiful AND courageous! Reach for the star sweetheart, you can do anything you set your mind to! ❤️
She is absolutely stunning! Good for her in trying to change how people look at those with down syndrome :)
Beautiful young lady ! Good luck to her.. I hope she gets LOTS of work! :-)
She is precious and her most beautiful trait is her desire to prove that anyone with Down's syndrome can accomplish anything!!!
She is beautiful and I love the outfits! I'd be proud if I was Her mum xx
So "the industry" found a way to turn her into a sex symbol anyway. Figures.
I thing maddy can do anything she wants and I hope she secede In her Models you go maddy
She is gorgeous not for a girl with down syndrome but just gorgeous period!!!
I could not be more proud of you, Maddy! Can't wait to see you on the newsstand! And I wear the exact same Chuck's!
Shes beautiful! Shes more 'real' to me than your average model. We need more Maddys in the world! You go girl!
Why not be a model? She is beautiful and she has lost all that weight. Her Mum needs to be praised for helping her. Well done both of you
She feels things so much stronger than the rest of us - I would hate to see her crushed.
It is hard for anyone to make it as a model because of those standards.
She is quite beautiful. The harsh reality is the modeling world is cold and very picky about physical traits.
Sexualizing her isn't empowering for her, its wrong. Society needs to help her feel beautiful without sexualizing her.
She's 18 years old and wearing a bikini. That isn't "sexualizing" her. She's an adult modeling like an adult.
Load More Replies...This is awesome. As a Special Ed teacher and knowing there are perverts out there, I am worried about the 'sexy' part.
I think she beautiful anyway and if modelling is what she wants to do then that's great and she has the determination she will get there
This is amazing. She is amazing, beautiful and very confident! Good on her!
Well,she is strong,determined and energetic. Good that she has realized her dream. Good luck and enjoy yourself, Maddy!
She's very pretty but I don't understand why EVERY post about her mentions that she lost weight....it's like we're lookin at a girl who is breaking down all kinds of barriers but in order to do that she had to loose weight? It seems strange to me I mean great for her for wanting to be healthier but to mention it in 3 other posts seems a bit much.
1. The photographer is her mother 2. I am yet to hear someone these days discriminate against a down syndrome person. 3. What does she need empowering from? I'm sensing a gross feminism vibe here. Props to her for getting out of the shell and getting somewhere. More people giving them a chance the better the world.
Glad, but there are perverts... who would take advantage of a sweetheart like this with mom saying, ' sexy'. She needs to rephrase that!
Maybe I'm a product of the past, but people with genetic inheritable disabilities reproducing makes me uncomfortable.
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