Kennedy Garcia, 15, from Colorado, was born with the genetic disorder and mum Renee was left distraught when one doctor advised she “just give her up for adoption”.
“Heartbroken” Renee, 40, was told Kennedy would have no quality of life and would be in nappies until adulthood.
However, the dedicated mum refused to give up on her daughter, especially after speaking to a kind midwife who called Kennedy “beautiful” and explained her own daughter with Down’s syndrome was able to live a comparatively normal life.
Fifteen years later, Kennedy has defied any “bleak” predictions and is now thriving as a model for top US brands, and has competed in state-wide dance competitions.
And the positive teen has even found love, and has the full support of devoted boyfriend Matthew.
Renee said: “The night Kennedy arrived, I was heartbroken to learn she had the condition because I was being fed nothing but a negative, bleak picture painted by doctors and nurses who really had no idea what my child‘s future really held.
“Now, Kennedy is like most girls her age. She has a posse of friends who adore her, she loves to dance, sing and experiment with her hair and makeup.
“She has brought so much joy and laughter into our lives and has grown into a gorgeous, funny young woman with the world at her feet.”
Kennedy may be 15 but she already has an impressive modelling portfolio, having worked with brands like American Girl, Justice Clothing, and Disney.
But it hasn’t been all plain-sailing.
As well as having Down’s syndrome, Kennedy also got leukaemia, and family later discovered part of her spine was separating from the base of her skull.
During this time, Kennedy spent six months in a metal frame screwed into her skill, in order to keep her neck mobilised, and spent a lot of her time watching dance videos.
When the youngster was well enough, Renee took her to her first dance class, and hasn’t looked back since.
She now works with KMR Diversity and Dream Talent Management agency and regularly flies to Hollywood and New York for auditions, castings and being extras on TV shows.
Kennedy’s boyfriend Matthew, 19, is an artist and actor, and also has the genetic disorder
They met a few years ago when she was 12 and he spotted her at an audition for an advert.
Matthew immediately came over and gave Kennedy his phone saying he thought it was broken because it was “missing her number”.
Thankfully he’s got the seal of approval from Renee, who described him as “funny and brave.”
Last year, romantic Matthew asked Kennedy to his homecoming dance and if she would be his girlfriend.
Now Renee and Matthew’s mum Emmy fly the teens back and forth between California and Colorado so they can see each other once a month – with the two women even becoming firm friends.
Renee said that taking Kennedy to New York for a job last October left her with a sense of awe.
Renee, who is also mum to Kassidy, 20, as well as brothers Kameron, 18, and Keegan, 12, said: “‘This was the same child doctors told me needed to be put in an institution.
“It’s shocking how misinformed they all were, and it was only 15 years ago. 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.”
Speaking to The Mighty, Renee said she feels “like progress is being made” to raise awareness about the condition.
She said: “Kennedy is pretty much accepted wherever we go.
“Most of all they see that she is a pretty typical teen who loves to text her friends, hang out at the mall, make videos on Tik Tok and talk about boys.
“I just want her to be happy with wherever her life takes her.
“I have no doubt she will continue to grow into an independent, strong, amazing adult whether she is acting, modelling, going to college, public speaking or finds her passion elsewhere in the workplace. I just hope she continues to live her best life no matter what.”
Previously, four mums revealed how having a child with Down’s syndrome has brought their lives so much joy.
And TV viewers were left in tears as nine-year-old boy who has Down’s Syndrome says his protective twin brother is ‘the best man alive’.
