Maddy
Age 14
Hawaii
Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children
Spina bifida
Most people associate hospitals with pain and discomfort, but for 14-year-old Maddy, it’s where her extended family lives. Maddy has been treated since birth for spina bifida and resulting complications. This includes weekly physical therapy and more than 27 surgeries, with likely more to come. But that’s okay with Maddy; she greets every day—and everyone—with a smile.
Maddy has been declared the mayor of her hospital unit, not only because she has spent so much time there, but because she is always reaching out to patients and staff. Maddy doesn’t wants kids to be afraid of what happens in the hospital and, even when in treatment herself, she spends time out of her room and talking with other children, helping prepare them for procedures and explaining surgeries.
Maddy has touched the lives of many at the hospital and throughout the community. Despite her own challenges—or perhaps because of them—Maddy is an inspiration.
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