Doctors wanted to put girl with Down syndrome in an institution – 15 years later, she’s a top model

“It was only the next night when a kind midwife told me Kennedy was beautiful and just like her daughter, who also had the condition, that I felt a glimmer of hope.

“The first thing I asked was if her daughter could walk, because I really didn’t know what having the condition meant, and she just laughed. Her daughter was 16 and of course she could walk.”

Kennedy has certainly proved that obstacles are there to be broken. The youngster has modelled for American Girl and Justice Clothing and is signed with KMR Diversity and Dream Talent Management.

She regularly flies to Hollywood and New York to audition and take part in modelling jobs, but also enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Matthew, who also has Down syndrome.

As for the doctors who wanted Kennedy placed in an institution, Renee has only one opinion.

“It’s shocking how misinformed they all were, and it was only 15 years ago,” she said. “I feel sad that I wasted time grieving for moments like prom dress shopping as I really had been led to believe none of the normal milestones would be reached.”

Renee and Kennedy now take the time to tour around schools, educating children of all ages as to what Down syndrome is and how they can support people they encounter who have the condition. Kennedy herself is quickly garnering a following on social media – she already boasts almost 70,000 followers on Instagram.

“We’re all incredibly proud of her and everything she’s achieved,” Renee explained to Metro. “She’s a wonderful girl and we are all so lucky to have her in our lives.”

What a brilliant story of triumph over the odds and a little girl who has refused to let anything stand in her way. Kennedy’s story really does put a smile on your face – we wish her all the very best moving forward.

Share this article if you believe diversity is beautiful, and to pay tribute to this brave girl.