Rebekah Marine, a model with an i-limb quantum prosthetic hand, will walk in New York Fashion Week on Sept. 13 in the FTL Moda show.
The 28-year-old was born without a right forearm. She was told at a young age that she wouldn’t have a future in modeling. She quickly gave up the idea, went back to school and worked a more traditional full-time job.
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That wasn't enough for her -- she decided to start modeling when she was fitted for a prosthesis about four years ago. She realized she could turn her disability into something inspirational and become a spokesperson.
Now, with her i-limb quantum -- one of the more advanced prosthetic hands made with gesture control technology -- she was embraced by some in the industry. Marine walked in February’s NYFW and shot with Nordstrom for its 2015 anniversary catalog.
Any #fashion #magazines looking for a cover girl? #bionicmodel #model #photography by @jasonewilson #amputee #touchbionics #luckyfinproject #ilimb A photo posted by Rebekah Marine (@rebekahmarine) on Mar 4, 2015 at 2:05pm PST
Others still struggle to see past her disability.
“Being a model with a disability has been extremely difficult over the past couple years,” she tells Mashable. “Agencies often won't even look at my portfolio. But I've come to realize it's all about finding your niche. I've accepted that most clients may not want to work with me based on my ‘disability.’”
Loving my new i-limb quantum in the extra small size from Touch Bionics! It's perfect for petite women like me. #touchbionics #ilimb #prosthetics #amputee #bionicmodel #bionicwoman #robots #technology #rebekahmarine A photo posted by Rebekah Marine (@rebekahmarine) on Aug 19, 2015 at 8:22am PDT
Marine is joining other models with disabilities, such as 18-year-old Madeline Stuart, a model with Down syndrome who will also be strutting down the FTL Moda runway.
“It's so important to include more diverse models, because after all, nearly one in five people in America have a disability,” Marine says. “We should be celebrating uniqueness, not conforming to what the media thinks is beautiful.”
Introducing the i-limb quantum, the latest prosthetic hand available from #touchbionics! It is the most advanced prosthesis available and comes in an extra small size! #technology #prosthesis #quantum #faster #amputee #armamputee #bionicmodel #luckyfinsrock #announcement A photo posted by Rebekah Marine (@rebekahmarine) on Jun 22, 2015 at 7:39am PDT
See how the i-limb quantum works in the video below:
Marine works with the Lucky Fin Project, an organization that raises awareness and support for those with upper limb differences, in order to teach children that their disabilities do not have to be limit their future.
"Above all, I hope to land on the cover of Vogue one day — that's my personal goal. And I won't stop until I get there."