It should be normal to celebrate variety and unique differences among people wherever you live. Imagine how boring it would be if everyone behaved and looked the same.

In recent years, a lot of programs have been started to improve diversity. The overarching message is unmistakable: those who break from “the standard” are just as capable of incredible feats as everyone else. Certain industries have indeed performed better than others.

Ask Kennedy Garcia, a baby with Down syndrome who was advised to enter an institution by doctors. Kennedy’s mother was told by doctors in Colorado Springs that her daughter would have a very low quality of life as an adult because of her Down syndrome. They feared she could require adult diapers and decided it would be better for her if she were placed in a facility with specialized care so she could live in peace.

Renee Kennedy, Kennedy’s mother, decided to kick everyone out of the hospital room. Time has proven that she was correct when she firmly insisted that she would not abandon her child. Since then, Kennedy has taken part in state-level competitions and posed for famous businesses around the nation. She fought disease with a steely drive and unflinching perseverance, and she also beat leukemia.

I was devastated to find Kennedy had the issue the night she arrived since I had only been given a dismal, depressing image created by physicians and nurses who had no idea what my child’s future held, said Renee.

I lost all hope until a wonderful midwife told me the next night that Kennedy was lovely and looked like her daughter, who also had the problem.

Because I had no idea what the disease included, I asked her child whether she could walk, and she just laughed. She has a naturally mobile sixteen-year-old daughter.

Kennedy has demonstrated that challenges can be overcome. She has modeled for Justice Clothing and American Girl, and she is represented by KMR Diversity and Dream Talent Management. She frequently travels to Los Angeles and New York to attend castings for movies and modeling jobs, but she much prefers to spend time with her Down syndrome-affected boyfriend Matthew.

Renee only had one view on the physicians who wanted Kennedy sent to a mental hospital. It’s amazing how stupid everyone was back then, she continued, adding that it was just 15 years ago. Because I was taught to believe that none of the anticipated milestones would be attained, I regret wasting time mourning for things like prom dress shopping.

Renee and Kennedy have been attending classes in order to inform kids of all ages about Down syndrome and how they may help individuals who have it. With more than 130,000 Instagram followers as of right now, Kennedy is quickly growing her social media fan base. We’re all really proud of her and everything she’s accomplished, Renee added. She is a remarkable young woman, and we are all really fortunate to have her in our lives.

This motivational story emphasizes the value of keeping upbeat in the face of adversity and relates the amazing story of a little girl who would not allow anything get in the way of her goals. Kennedy’s tale amuses us, and we wish her well in the future.

View Kennedy’s extremely uplifting tale in the video below!