Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Raquel Tuohy
Must finish first in their group to advance to the Quarterfinals.
The next 2 highest ranked competitors will advance to a Wildcard round.
Voting for this round ends on August 15, 2026 at 9:00 PM EDT
About Raquel Tuohy
Hi! I was born with a congenital heart defect that has required me to have three open heart surgeries and a tracheotomy. I’ve written two young adult novels as well as created my own missing persons network.
Learn More About Raquel Tuohy
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
I’m the next runway star because I believe in showing off my scars and letting an insecurity become an asset.
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
I think this would give me a chance to step outside of my comfort zone in a way I never thought of. It’s not about modeling or being the prettiest person in the room, if that was the case, I would already be on the cover of Vogue. To me this is about proving that someone who has had multiple surgeries and wears the evidence of that can be the embodiment of beautiful.
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
I’ve told you a lot about how my heart surgeries have created a road map of scars on my body, but what I’m most proud of is that is not the most interesting thing about me. I’ve worked hard to write my books and raise awareness for missing people of all backgrounds and overcome this idea that because I have this illness that I can’t do anything. I can do everything I want.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
I would put most of it towards medical bills and growing my missing persons organization, but I would also take my mom on a well-deserved trip.
Content from Raquel Tuohy
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