Angela McIntyre, Survivor - what lies beneath (PEOPLE 2025)

Leanne Madigan's life journey is a testament to resilience. Born with truncus arteriosus—a rare congenital condition where only one large blood vessel leaves the heart instead of two—she underwent two open heart surgeries before the age of 2. At 14, she survived a heart attack and spent weeks in a coma and subsequent rehabilitation. Her pacemaker/defibrillator now helps her manage her day-to-day life. Leanne passionately pursues her dream of modeling, while challenging industry stereotypes about ‘perfection’. Her scars narrate her life's battles and triumphs, and celebrate vulnerability, beauty, and unwavering strength.

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