Model opportunities for teenage battler

August 21, 2006

18 August 2006

Ruby Reihana- is a real role model.

She's defying cerebral palsy and other illnesses to make her catwalk debut

at a charity fashion show tomorrow.

" You get to be somebody else when you are all dressed up and on the

catwalk, " she says. " Everyone looks at you, but they say `wow'. "

The 15-year-old Aucklander's cerebral palsy was caused by a lack of oxygen

to the brain during birth. Since then she has been diagnosed with other

conditions including juvenile arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue,

muscular

dystrophy and asthma.

But the bright and bubbly youngster refuses to let her illnesses stop her

living life.

" My motto is `just get over it', " she says.

" It's not like I can change it so I just have to be positive. "

Growing up unable to take part in most sports meant Ruby had to focus on her

creative side. She plays the keyboard and is teaching herself bass guitar

and ukulele.

" Music relaxes me and takes my mind off being sick, " she says.

" I also love to act because you get to be someone else for a little while. "

Tomorrow she'll get the chance to win a professional modelling contract at

charity fashion show Frock Off.

The fundraiser for Starship hospital's Radio Lollipop will see a host of

hopefuls strut their stuff in front of scouts from top agencies.

She was encouraged to try modelling by her mum Joanne.

" It was for her self-esteem, " Joanne says.

" Ruby read about another model with cerebral palsy and that gave her

inspiration. " She had poor body image because kids at school would

ask if she was anorexic. " They didn't understand that she was thin

because she was ill. "

Ruby goes to Park Rudolph Steiner School in Ellerslie.

Joanne credits the school's educational philosophy and Starship hospital for

her daughter's continued success.

Ruby's cerebral palsy is improving and she is an inspiration to her

classmates.

Frock Off is at St -in-the-city church on Hobson St, from 7pm.

Tickets are available from Ticketek or the door.

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