Celebrating diversity and distinctions among people all across the world should be a given no matter where you reside. How boring would it be if we all looked and acted the same?

In recent years, efforts have been undertaken to improve inclusion in a variety of domains. True, some industries have fared better than others, but the overall message is clear: anyone who deviates from “the standard” is just as capable of great feats as anyone else.

Ask Kennedy Garcia, a newborn with Down syndrome who was advised to be institutionalized by physicians. Doctors in Colorado Springs advised Kennedy’s mother that her daughter would have a poor quality of life as an adult due to her Down syndrome. They were worried that as an adult, she would need to wear diapers and that it would be better for her if she were placed in a specialized institution where she could live happily.

Kennedy’s mother, Renee Kennedy, decided to kick them all out of the hospital room. She was resolute about not abandoning her child, and time has proven her right. Kennedy has since competed in state-wide competitions and modeled for major companies around the country. She also fought cancer with perseverance and persistence, triumphing over leukemia.

“I was heartbroken to find Kennedy had the issue the night she arrived since I was being fed nothing but a terrible, dark picture portrayed by physicians and nurses who had no idea what my child’s future contained,” Renee said.

“I didn’t have a flicker of optimism until the next night when a wonderful midwife told me Kennedy was gorgeous and looked much like her daughter, who also had the problem.”

I questioned if her daughter could walk because I had no understanding of what the condition entailed, and she merely chuckled. Her daughter was sixteen and, of course, she could walk.”

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

Renee has only one view about the doctors who wanted Kennedy to commit to a mental facility. “That’s amazing how ignorant they were all of them, and it was only 15 years ago,” she remarked. “I regret wasting time mourning for events like prom dress shopping since I was encouraged to assume that none of the typical milestones would be met.”

Renee and Kennedy have started visiting schools, teaching children of all ages about Down syndrome and how they may help others who have it. Kennedy is quickly acquiring a social media following, with over 130,000 Instagram followers now. “We’re all so proud of her and everything she’s accomplished,” Renee remarked. “She’s an amazing young lady, and we’re all very fortunate to have her in our life.”

This is a moving story about a small girl who refuses to let anything stand in her way, and it emphasizes the necessity of maintaining optimism in the face of adversity. Kennedy’s tale makes us smile, and we wish her the best of luck in the future.

Watch Kennedy’s very uplifting tale in the video below!