Teenager With Down Syndrome Is Owning Her Dreams Of Becoming A Model (Photos)

Madeline Stuart is the living embodiment of the expression, “You can do anything you set your mind to.”

Last year, the Australian teen decided she wanted to become a model.

And she did.

Finding success as a model is difficult for anyone, but Maddy, who has Down syndrome, faces even more obstacles and challenges than most.

Doctors even told Rosanne, Maddy's mother, the ambitious teen would "never achieve anything."

How wrong they were.

For over a year, Maddy worked hard to lose the extra weight she carried and over the course of several months, lost an impressive 44 pounds. Rosanne heartily supported her daughter along the way, knowing she could do whatever it was she wanted.

With Maddy's weight loss came the confidence to actively pursue a modeling career -- proving her doubters wrong.

She's found support in the indie brand Living Dead, which prides itself on a commitment to diversity, and she's in the process of hiring a modeling agent.

And this is just the start for the driven teen.

Check out some photos of the beauty below, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter for more.

Rosanne says Maddy "really wants to change the way people discriminate against disability."

"People with Down syndrome can do anything... they just do it at their own pace."

"I think it is time people realized that people with Down syndrome can be sexy and beautiful and should be celebrated."

Maddy is making her dream a reality.

And she won't let anyone tell her what she can or can't do.

Rosanne knows Maddy will "win millions of hearts and teach people what is really important."

Maddy loves being the center of attention, and she loves to compete.

Prior to modeling, she was an avid swimmer and dancer.

She's living proof hard work pays off...

...and anyone can do what he or she sets his or her mind to.

Citations: Teen with down syndrome is determined to become a model (Bored Panda), Meet the inspiring young woman with a genetic condition determined to change the face of beauty (Daily Mail)