Vogue model Ellie Goldstein, who has Down’s syndrome, defied doctors’ expectations after being told she wouldn’t walk or talk. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance and encourages others to pursue their dreams regardless of challenges.
Model Ellie Goldstein, who has Down’s syndrome, says people should never give up on their dream.
Despite doctors’ initial predictions that Ellie Goldstein, born in December 2001 with Down’s syndrome, wouldn’t walk or talk, she defied those odds. Ellie made history as the first model with her condition to grace the front cover of Vogue. At 22, she’s purchased her own home in Essex and authored a book titled “Against All Odds,” chronicling her remarkable journey. Ellie and her mother, Yvonne, share their story of how Ellie has continuously surpassed expectations since her birth.
Upon Ellie’s birth, the revelation of her having Down syndrome was unexpected and challenging for us. The doctors’ prognosis, suggesting she might never walk or talk, and the nurse’s discouraging suggestion to leave her at the hospital were particularly difficult to absorb. Accepting her diagnosis and forming a bond with her was a struggle initially.
Our anxiety escalated when we learned that Ellie required heart surgery. This intensified my apprehension about getting emotionally attached to her. At five months old, she underwent a grueling 10-hour operation to address heart defects. Her recovery spanned ten days in intensive care, followed by another week in the high dependency unit.
After three weeks, Ellie was finally able to come home, and it was then that her spirited and determined personality started to manifest. My husband and I made a conscious decision to prioritize raising her as Ellie first, setting aside the label of Down syndrome, allowing her unique personality to shine through.
Although doctors initially doubted she’d walk by 18 months, she defied expectations, speaking by her third birthday and reading before starting school. Ellie remained in regular education until exams approached, prompting a transition to a specialized school.
During her teenage years, we broached the topic of Ellie’s Down’s syndrome, apprehensive about her reaction. Presenting a special book, we anticipated concern about her appearance, yet she simply asserted, “I’m me; I don’t resemble that.” Despite my worries about her confidence, it remained unshaken.
One day, a friend introduced me to Zebedee, a new talent agency focused on representing individuals with disabilities and visible differences. Encouraged by this, I decided to apply for Ellie, who quickly became a standout talent.
Shortly after joining Zebedee, Ellie was selected to feature in Superdrug’s 2018 Christmas advert, marking the start of her remarkable career journey. My mom always remarked, “She’s destined for greatness,” acknowledging Ellie’s determination and spirited nature that define her unique personality.
Ellie’s love for the camera and the attention it brings is still surprising to me, but seeing how much joy it brings her makes it all worth it. She recently purchased her own home through her modeling work, but there’s uncertainty about whether she’ll eventually live independently. For now, we’re living alongside her, maintaining our family home, and gently nudging her toward greater independence, though she remains quite vulnerable.
Preparing Ellie for a future without us is essential. While Amy, her older sister, will undoubtedly support her, we wouldn’t want to burden her with sole responsibility.
I hope there’s been a shift in attitudes toward Down’s syndrome since Ellie was born, but unfortunately, there’s still a lot of misunderstanding. It’s disheartening when people in public address me about Ellie without acknowledging her presence or realizing the extent of her personality and ability to communicate.
I’ve always dreamt of being a model, but I doubted whether I could make it since I didn’t see anyone who looked like me on magazine covers. Now, I’m living that dream.
Becoming unexpectedly famous has been thrilling. Dressing up and wearing stunning outfits is incredibly enjoyable. This year, I strutted down the catwalk in three London Fashion Week shows, and it was an amazing experience.
Reflecting on this year, there have been numerous highlights, but the pinnacle was when my book got published. The pride and excitement of having my own book in hand was surreal.
Additionally, I’ve been busy filming for a Channel 4 documentary centered around my agency, slated to air next year. I’m eagerly anticipating watching it.
I’m currently in my final year at performing arts college, and my ambition is to continue both modeling and acting after I graduate. Nerves don’t faze me—I’m brimming with confidence and a playful spirit.
When I participated in the Vogue shoot, the uncertainty of my photo landing on the cover loomed. The moment I learned about the cover, I was at college, surrounded by my cherished teachers, and emotions overwhelmed me—I cried and cheered. Encouraging words poured in from my friends, expressing love, pride, and congratulations.
Recently, I had the privilege of being part of a photoshoot for the first Barbie featuring Down’s syndrome. Feeling deeply honored and filled with pride, seeing the doll was an incredible moment. The immediate reaction upon seeing the doll was, “Wow, I adore it!” Witnessing a doll resembling myself was truly wonderful.
I have an undying passion for dancing, it’s my absolute favorite thing. I dream of gracing the stage of Strictly Come Dancing one day. Recently, I attended a filming but being in the audience wasn’t enough—I yearned to be out there, dancing my heart out!
My new house has me thrilled, and I’m eagerly looking forward to Christmas. Spending time with my two-year-old nephew, sharing cuddles, and seeing his face light up while unwrapping gifts is pure joy. Being his aunty means the world to me.
I’ve defied expectations and become a role model for others like me. Doctors once said I wouldn’t talk, but now I’m quite the chatterbox! Always believing in oneself is crucial.
My aspirations include strutting the red carpet and catwalks in New York as a model one day. I firmly believe in pursuing hopes and dreams relentlessly while staying true to oneself and finding happiness. So, I say, just go out there and rock it!
Source: BBC News
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