A four-year-old local girl recently took the spotlight at New York Fashion Week, tumbling down the runway to model adaptive fashion.

Estelle Lemieux appeared as one of 60 models in “The Runway of Dreams”. The show is a unique adaptive fashion show aptly titled “A Fashion Revolution” presented by Kohl’s. The 7th annual show was held at the Glasshouse in New York City on September 12th.

“It was an eye-opening experience for her. She has never been exposed to so many people with different types of disabilities/differences. I’m sure it helped,” said Esther’s mother, Amy Lemieux.

Daughter of Amy and Douglas Lemieux, Estelle has Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She started showing symptoms around 6 months of age, but she was not diagnosed until she was 16 months old, as it took a long time to be correctly diagnosed. diagnose.

Lemieux said her daughter was lucky to have all three FDA-approved treatments for neuromuscular disease. This includes the world’s most expensive drug called Zolgensma, which cost her $2.1 million for one course of treatment. She also takes daily medications and undergoes therapy to help build muscle and fight a disease that has historically progressed without treatment.

“This short vacation to New York was a great distraction for her to remain a child for a few days and rest from treatment. It required exploring the city and walking to Time Square. Estelle loves the hustle and bustle and bright lights.” We went to the M&M store, the American Girl Doll store, Disney, and Harry Potter.

The Runway of Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is participation, inclusion and opportunity for people with disabilities in the fashion industry. The evening showcased adaptive wear and footwear from leading brands including Kohl’s, Target, Zappos.com, JCPenney, Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, No Limbits and Stride Rite. Steve Madden debuted his line of adaptive footwear alongside brands such as French Toast Adaptive, Stemwear and Magnetic Me, showcasing products from the new Adaptive collection.

Esther tumbled down the runway three times and began to tear up when she realized the show was over. It’s the way their bodies are made, and it’s okay to be different.

Lemieux likes Estelle’s interest in other people.

“She knows that God makes us unique. Society needs more exposure.Disabled people deserve to be seen in all spaces, including fashion and advertising.It’s time to normalize disability,” she said.

Lemieux told her daughter that the world would be a boring place if Evyerone looked the same, and she said Estelle was starting to understand that too.

“She still says herself: She can do whatever she wants in life,” Lemieux said. “She just has to do something a little different and that’s fine. She has such a positive and bright spirit for such a young girl. We’re so proud of her.” ”

Estelle started her modeling career about a year ago. She is signed to her modeling club in Boston and her GAMUT Management in New York. GAMUT Management is a talent management company that works with people with disabilities.

The fashion show was not Esther’s first modeling experience. She has had a Hasbro toy shoot and was featured in a children’s book called “Gary’s Big Dreams” by Nicole Her Julia.

Follow her on her Facebook page ‘Estelles SMAmazing journey’ or on Instagram @RaisingaRaregirl.