Doctors were surprised by how well a youngster with Down syndrome did in life; today, she’s happy and has a boyfriend and a budding modelling career. At her birth in Colorado Springs, Colorado, physicians predicted that 15-year-old Kennedy Garcia would need diapers for the rest of her life.

Kennedy’s mother, Renee, is 40 years old and was reportedly adamant that her daughter would succeed in the entertainment industry.

CREDIT: KENNEDY GARCIA’S INSTAGRAM

Kennedy is now represented by a talent agency, travels to New York and Los Angeles for auditions, and has landed modelling jobs with American Girl, Justice Clothing, and Disney.

Renee claims that when Kennedy was born, medical personnel were very supportive, even suggesting that she “give her up for adoption” or place her in an institution.

She was ‘heartbroken’ after hearing how they portrayed Kennedy’s future life with Down syndrome. That was until the following day, when she met someone who altered her life forever: A midwife remarked how beautiful Kennedy was and revealed that she, too, had a daughter born with Down syndrome. Renee was then given a “glimmer of hope” for the future.

CREDIT: KENNEDY GARCIA’S INSTAGRAM

Kennedy’s life journey was long and winding. She also fought leukaemia and had a potentially paralyzing operation on her spine.

For six months, she was confined to bed with a metal frame fastened to her skull; she watched dancing videos on her phone to pass the time. But she got better, and when she was ready, she enrolled in dancing lessons alone.

“She felt completely at home, and we haven’t looked back since,” Renee said of the woman. After signing with KMR Diversity and Dream Talent Management, Kennedy began a career in the modelling and acting industries.

She has recently featured in a commercial for the 2010 United States Census thanks to her efforts at auditions in New York and Los Angeles, where she has landed roles as a model and a TV programme extra. Not only has she been on This Is Us, but she has also posed for Zulily and Aetna.

CREDIT: VT PICTURES

The adolescent who defied the odds is flourishing in other areas of her life. She has a “pose” of friends and is close to her siblings Kassidy (20), Kameron (18), and Keegan (12).

‘She has brought so much pleasure and happiness into our lives, and she has developed into a stunning, witty young lady with the world at her feet,’ her mother added.

Meanwhile, Kennedy is seeing a man she met at an audition when she was only 12 years old. And then there’s 19-year-old Matthew, who also has a hereditary issue but had the nerve to approach and introduce himself. “I suppose my phone’s damaged since it’s missing your number,” he remarked, handing Kennedy his cell phone. Renee thought back.

It was unbelievable what a slick talker he was, and I admired his guts and humour. Even though Kennedy said she didn’t know what Matthew was talking about at the moment, I had a feeling they’d become fast friends.

CREDIT: VT PICTURES

Kennedy was “thrilled” when Renee told her that Matthew loved her, and the two have since started a romantic relationship. They often communicated through FaceTime and in person, and Kennedy even attended Matthew’s homecoming dance. ‘This was the same kid the doctors told me needed to be institutionalized,’ Renee remarked. And to think it was just 15 years ago, it’s astounding how uninformed they all were.

Renee told The Mighty that she thought the world had changed significantly since birth. I think we’re making headway,” she said. Kennedy is well-accepted in the places we visit.

We handle her Instagram account together, and her fans come from all areas of life. It’s been fascinating to watch how people from all cultures have rallied behind her in support and asked thoughtful questions out of genuine curiosity.

CREDIT: FACEBOOK

“Most of all,” they realize, “she is a relatively average adolescent who likes to contact her pals, hang out at the mall, produce videos on Tik Tok, and speak about males.”

Kennedy also gives presentations at junior highs and high schools about Down syndrome and how students of those ages might become friends with those with the condition.

She said that recent developments may be seen in the fact that instructors and schools are now giving her a chance to come in and talk. Overall, she wants her kid to be happy.

She wished for happiness no matter what path her daughter’s life could follow. Whether she pursues a career in acting, modelling, further education, public speaking, or any other area of adulthood, I am sure she will continue to develop into a self-reliant, strong, and magnificent adult. Whatever happens, I hope she keeps on living her best life.