Melanie Gaydos, 28-Year-Old Model With A Rare Genetic Disorder

When it comes to redefining the word “beauty,” Melanie Gaydos is at the forefront of inspirational models. The 28-year-old was born with ectodermal dysplasia (ED) — a rare genetic condition that, in her case, resulted in hair loss, absent teeth, and a cleft palate. As pointed out by the Ectodermal Dysplasia Society, ED is not just a singular disease, but rather an umbrella term that encompasses several disorders with closely related symptoms.