Help Addison Model at NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!

Hi, my name is Addison Bortnick,

Y’all I got selected to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week….. Eeeeeeekkkkk! THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE for my heart!!! I have been working hard being a Debi Lou Model and have found such a passion for modeling & fashion! I am READY to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week! Being a young woman with Down Syndrome getting this incredible opportunity is HUGE! I love breaking down barriers for others and showing our world how capable & beautiful people of ALL abilities are! I am asking if you would be so generous in helping me with the costs of travel expenses so I can get to New York! Any amount will help and is greatly, greatly appreciated! Being a Debi Lou Model is one of my absolute FAVORITE things in my life. It teaches me so much and helps me with my confidence, and allows me the platform to shine my beautiful unique light to our world with passion, grit, & determination! I love learning and growing in my abilities and I’m so excited to go to take on NYFW! Thank you kindly for your support!

About Addison Bortnick

From a very young age Addison inspired others in the community to come together to support others with disabilities. Before Addison could communicate with words, she was the cover girl for Children's Ministry Magazine and was also chosen to be the cover girl for the book titled, Special Needs Ministry for Children, Addison didn't need words to share God's love. Her contagious smile, trust in others, and beautiful heart was her way of letting her light shine reflecting God's love. Addison continued to be in numerous magazines and newspapers in her younger years touching many lives.

Once Addison became a full-time student she immediately began paving the way for district change and a movement toward full inclusion for herself as well as all others with disabilities.

Addison's persistence and positive attitude, despite her many obstacles, allowed her many abilities to take flight. Addison took great pride in her many academic achievements as well as her achievements in extracurricular activities including cheerleading, 4-H and dance.

Addison broke down barriers at Cathey Middle School by becoming the first Vice President in Student Council with Down Syndrome. Addison was also the first young woman with Down Syndrome to make Memorial High School Cheerleading Team in McAllen ISD. Addison was also one of the first young women with down syndrome to be a Debi Lou model and loves to walk the runway with confidence and determination to break down barriers for individuals with disabilities!

Addison became very engaged in spreading awareness, acceptance and love for all individuals living with a disability within her community. She was on the news a few times and helped in many ways with her local Buddy Walk, Down by the Border, and Capable Kids Foundation. Addison is also a National Down Syndrome Society Ambassador, and an all American Cheerleader.

At the age of ten Addison had found her voice and was eager to share her message of, "Love and Dream Without Limits" to the world. Addison was invited to be the guest speaker at the Upside Down Clubs Annual Buddy Walk Shortly after she got to speak in conjunction with an Emmy Award winner at the the Rio Grande Valley Down Syndrome Association's Step Up for Down Syndrome event. Addison's passion for public speaking grew over the years. She was invited to be the guest speaker at numerous events and celebrated every opportunity to be a voice for all others with disabilities. This lead her to take a stand and advocate in many ways. Addison spoke at legislative listening sessions, school board meetings at Cathy Middle School and many more. Addison was the overall top winner for Texas District 12, 4-H in public speaking. She was honored as the 2018 Easterseals Advocate of the year. Addison was also honored by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the 2020 Rising Star award.

At the age of 16 Addison has a courageous heart full of God's love. She has big dreams of making the world fully inclusive. She is on a mission to replace doubt with knowledge, replace fear with love, and to replace segregation with inclusion. Her goal is to soften hearts and show the world that ALL people deserve the right to be accepted and included as they are. There are no limits to anyone's potential. With Love anything is possible, because love never fails-Corinthians 13:8

https://youtu.be/yhX6IRzgMRo