Lily Brarsch, an Orthodox model with muscle atrophy, devised an alternative solution to be present on the catwalks. Weakened muscles and with little ability to walk, she was part of fashion week in New York.
Brarsch became the first model with this problem to walk down the catwalk without the help of another person at the event.. She is the second person with the condition to appear after actress Jillian Mercado in 2020.
“It felt really good, it felt liberating,” said Brasch, 22, who modeled a gold sari from the brand Randhawa, which specializes in modern South Asian style. “I definitely never thought I would do something like this.”.
“I prioritize representing disability and pride, and just bringing joy to that community, but I also prioritize staying true to my faith.”Brasch added. “It was a great team effort to put myself on stage and represent disability, and then come to celebrate Shabbat”.
At age 16, he was diagnosed with central core myopathy, a rare form of non-progressive muscular dystrophy. They told him that he would never be able to walk or lift heavy objects without help due to his disability.. But having walked down the catwalk is one of the triumphs she acquired. She moved to New York in August 2022 to attend Columbia University.
He also founded the foundation Born to Prove, which promotes disability awareness and breaking down barriers. Although the Chicago native hasn't always been open about her Judaism in her activism — in fact, she was initially advised by friends and family not to draw attention to it — Brasch has realized how much her religion guides her..
“My Jewish identity has inspired me that we are all on this earth for a reason. “Each one of us has a purpose and that is what my religion has helped me find.”. His purpose, Brasch added, is to represent strength and beauty for people with disabilities of the next generation.