“Defying the Odds: Hannah Ringeisen’s Journey from Chronic Illness to the Fashion Runway”
Hannah Ringeisen is not just a model—she is a beacon of resilience and inspiration. Based in Connecticut, Hannah has defied the odds, proving that living with chronic illnesses does not mean giving up on your dreams. Her story is one of perseverance, strength, and an unwavering desire to break barriers in the modeling industry.
A Childhood Marked by Health Challenges
At just seven years old, Hannah underwent heart surgery to correct a condition known as Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), which meant she was born with a hole in her heart. However, the challenges did not stop there. After contracting mononucleosis in the fourth grade, she was diagnosed with several lifelong conditions, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and hypermobility, among other health issues.
Growing up with chronic illnesses was far from easy. While other kids enjoyed a carefree childhood, Hannah faced constant doctor visits, extreme fatigue, and an unpredictable body. “I remember crying in my kitchen after getting diagnosed with POTS,” she recalls. “Part of me was relieved to finally understand why I was so sick, but I was also disheartened knowing there was no cure.”
Turning Pain into Purpose
For many years, Hannah was labeled as “the sick kid.” Friendships faded, social activities became limited, and isolation crept in. But instead of letting these challenges define her, she found solace in modeling.
“Modeling gives me a purpose—something to be proud of. I’ve always been known as the sick kid, but now I’m known as a teen model,” Hannah shares. Her journey in the fashion industry has taken her to prestigious events like New York Fashion Week (NYFW), where she shines on the runway despite the physical toll it takes on her body.
However, behind the glamorous photos and high-fashion events, her reality is different. “People see me at NYFW and think my life is exciting, but they don’t see the aftermath—when my body crashes and I’m stuck at home, at school, or in a doctor’s office.”
Breaking Barriers in the Fashion Industry
Hannah’s mission extends beyond personal success. She wants to inspire others with disabilities and chronic illnesses, proving that physical limitations do not define one’s potential. “I’ve always been told not to call what I have a disability. But does it disable me? Yes, it does. Yet, it also empowers me. I have to work ten times harder than my peers, but I refuse to let that stop me.”
Balancing school, modeling, and managing her health is a constant struggle. After losing credit in her freshman year due to health issues, she now juggles both online and in-person classes while working to secure her future. “Being me is not easy, but I know there are others who struggle just like I do. I want to show them that no matter the obstacles, they can still chase their dreams.”
A Message of Empowerment
Through her journey, Hannah is breaking stereotypes and advocating for greater representation of disabled and chronically ill individuals in the fashion industry. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that limitations exist only if you allow them to.
“To everyone who labeled me as ‘the sick kid’—watch what a ‘sick’ kid can do,” she asserts. “I want to empower others like me to follow their dreams, no matter what stands in their way.”
Hannah’s resilience, determination, and passion are paving the way for a more inclusive modeling industry. As she continues to rise, she carries a message of hope and strength for anyone battling invisible illnesses.
Photo Credits: Photographer: Brendan (Instagram: @cinelyfe)
Management: Westhaven Management and Manikin
Instagram: @hannahmaya_modelingct
