Mamie Rose Macdonald was out at dinner when her mum Glenda posed a precarious question. Turning to her gorgeous daughter, she said, "If I gave you a million dollars and I asked you to take your disability away, would you do it?"
And Mamie replied, "I wouldn't take it away for any money because it's part of who I am. Why go through everything that I've had been through just to get the struggle taken away from me? I think it's really important that we accept who we are."
The Auckland student lives with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects many parts of the body, and causes developmental delays and learning challenges.
People with the disorder are often gregarious and the remarkable 24-year-old is no exception. Her mum says she brightens up any room and has defied the odds of what doctors predicted might be possible.
Along with a modelling career - she's appeared in Italian Vogue - Mamie is in her last year studying for a Bachelor of international tourism management and is working part-time at a restaurant.
Her goal is to work as a check-in agent at Air New-Zealand and travel the world – and if a role on her favourite soap Shortland Street came calling, she wouldn’t say no either.
Esta historia es de la edición September 16, 2024 de New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 16, 2024 de New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK