Amanda got supermodel treatment from a make-up artist and hairstylist, and fashion expert Mary Alice Stephenson helped her put together a fabulous wardrobe.
The stack of fashion magazines in 16-year-old Amanda’s bedroom is only the first clue that this teen has a passion for fashion and an eye for design. She loves the way she feels when sporting the perfect new outfit, and she knows all the big-name supermodels and dreams of someday following their footsteps down the catwalk.
Amanda’s fascination with the world of modeling gave her a pleasant distraction during her treatments for leukemia. And after seeing so many photo spreads featuring her favorite models in magazines, she knew that she had what it took to pose for the camera too. With the help of wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego, she got her ticket to supermodel stardom.
The California girl and her mom set out for one of the fashion capitals of the world: New York City. A limo was waiting to take the budding model to Industria Studios, an unassuming brick warehouse that could easily be missed by NYC tourists wandering through Greenwich Village.However, some of the fashion industry’s most famous faces are often seen passing through the doors of this humble exterior – including celebrity photographer and “America’s Next Top Model” star, Nigel Barker, and fashion magazine editor and commentator Mary Alice Stephenson.
Nigel Barker arranged for Amanda’s favorite music to be playing as he snapped one glamorous pose after another.
Nigel and Mary Alice were waiting to greet Amanda and get her day-in-the-life-of-a-supermodel off to a glamorous start. Mary Alice had a huge wardrobe selection for her to choose from and offered her some expert stylist advice. Professional make-up artists and hairstylists were on hand to make Amanda look like a star. And Nigel had his lights and camera at the ready and helped Amanda strike dozens of poses in a photo shoot set to her favorite music.
As an added surprise, Nigel and Mary Alice arranged for a visit from one of the world-famous supermodels whose shoes Amanda dreamed of filling. Amanda got the chance to learn tricks of the trade and pose along side a professional cover girl.
Because all good models have to keep up with the latest fashion trends, the Make-A-Wish Foundation treated Amanda to a shopping trip down Fifth Avenue. She also got to sport some of her fashion at some of New York’s hottest restaurants.
Nigel and his crew spared no expense in setting up lights and cameras, giving Amanda a true cover girl experience.
When Amanda’s wish trip came to a close, she had a suitcase full of new fashion and perfect photos to take home.It was the perfect way to end a chic week full of modeling magic.
You can read more about Nigel Barker here.
-
Great story about Amanda the Supermodel. I have my own little model, her name is Becca Lanham, and we have a great time doing photo shoots about every month or so!
- Michael 04/12/2007 14:29 -
Way to go Amanda! You deserve it, I honestly believe that. You certainly seem to have the talent for that kind of work, and I really don't know what to say as I sit at my computer, reading your story, with tears rolling down my cheek. Just keep up the good work, and I know that the illness will be going away very soon...no doubt about that...
Lots of Love and prayers
Christopher Hank Bohannon
- CHB 04/14/2007 19:27 -
Wow, Amanda looks so stunning! Make-A-Wish really went all out! She looks like she stepped out of Seventeen.
- Irina 04/07/2007 17:46 -
I am so glad Amanda's wish came true, from even these two photos I could definitely see her dazzling face on the cover of Seventeen, or the new face of CoverGirl. She is truly beautiful and courageous.
I am sending all my prayers and best wishes her way,
Alyse
- Alyse 07/18/2007 19:22 -
Hey Amanda! I was just browsing through and saw your story and thought how much we have in common! I am really interested in fashion too, but I'm not as pretty as you are to take such beautiful pictures! I'm glad you got your wish and I'm jealous you get to rock all those designer threads! :) Good luck with everything and keep being a trendy role model for people like me!
- Shelley 04/17/2007 11:31 -
Wow, Amanda, you really look amazing! I used to have leukemia myself, and you are one lucky girl. Keep fighting and keep up the great work! I think you'll grow up and be a great supermodel. Best wishes and warm thoughts to you and your family! Love, Emily
- Emily 08/02/2007 21:19 -
Amanda, you are amazing!!! You are so strong and beautiful, and I believe that someday you will be on the cover of Vogue or Seventeen or something!
You rock and keep dreaming big!!!
- Kati 10/03/2007 18:06 -
Amanda! You truly look like a gorgeous supermodel! I know firsthand how leukemia diminishes your confidence and I'm glad Make-A-Wish fulfilled your dream as it did mine! God bless you and your family!
- Elise (Wish kid) 01/16/2008 17:41 -
Amanda, be strong with your illness. I have leukemia too and I'm fighting to survive and I know you are too. It's very very hard but I'm glad you got to be a supermodel to get distracted. Remember be strong!
- JC 12/03/2007 17:13 -
How cool!
- Mckenzy 10/15/2007 8:58 -
Amanda you rock, you are putting a lot of emotion in your face, I want to be able to do that too. You are the best super model I've ever seen. You have been through so many things I might never go through, you are beautiful. Keep pursuing your dream.
- Kelley 10/26/2007 23:22 -
This is a wonderful story, as they all are. I love the fact that Nigel has taken time out of his busy schedule/life to provide dreams to these children who otherwise would never have a chance. To make them feel so wonderful and special and BEAUTIFUL in this time of their lives. I too, do photography and I admire Nigel. It means much more to me because I have a niece who is very ill and Make-A-Wish granted her a wish. Thanks to everyone.
- Darlene (Wish relative) 04/23/2008 10:08
© 2006 Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America