I used to believe that miracles were the work of a divine authority; that prayer, sacrifice and perseverance would somehow set in motion an event contrary to the laws of nature.
And while I still believe in divine intervention, I also believe that miracles can be manufactured by people just like you and me. I believe in that certain individuals – namely, the doctors at The Hospital For Sick Children – have the skill, knowledge and passion to give hope, ignite faith, and change lives.
A few weeks ago, I shared The Story of Ryder, and let you all know that I had joined MiracleMoms – a group of influential, passionate, and motivated women eager to tell the stories of families who use, or have used the services of the Children’s Miracle Network or Children’s Miracle Hospitals. Since our local Children’s Miracle Hospital happens to be SickKids, I thought the program would be a splendid fit.
Today, I want to introduce you to Madison – the sweet, special little girl picture right. In May 2005, Madison was on a walk with her kindergarten class when she passed out and was taken to hospital. She returned home for the weekend, but was brought to her paediatrician for tests and x-rays the following Monday and Tuesday. The x-ray revealed that Madison’s heart was enlarged so she was transferred to The Hospital for Sick Children.
There her family received the devastating news that Madison was battling a terminal disease called pulmonary hypertension. In this condition, there is increased pressure in the pulmonary artery which connects the right side of the heart to the lungs. The increased pressure makes the right side of the heart get bigger because it’s working harder to pump the blood which can lead to heart failure. Doctors estimated her lifespan would be three to five years with the possibility of a future heart or lung transplant.
Madison was fortunate to have a good drug therapy plan allowing her lungs to improve and avoid a transplant as long as possible. In June 2008, a flolan tube was inserted which delivers medicine directly to her heart every three to five minutes. She was admitted to SickKids and her family was trained to change the medication and line so that Madison could receive her treatment at home.
Since beginning her treatment with flolan, Madison has surpassed her medical team’s expectations. Despite being admitted for infections in September 2010 and October 2011, she has adapted to her treatment quite well. She is a very social 13-year-old who enjoys swimming, the outdoors and animals – in fact, she hopes to begin breeding snakes in the near future!
Madison’s future is unpredictable, but for now she continues to seize every opportunity she can, something she learned through all her experience at SickKids.
In speaking with Madison’s mom about the MiracleMoms program, she indicated something which resonated with me: “Don’t make Madison the charity.” And I instantly realized that although Children’s Miracle Network families have used the services and hospitals, they’re not looking for pity or signs of condolence. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; the families are strong, dedicated to their child’s recovery and have placed their trust in miracle workers. They are sharing their story to ensure that all children have the opportunity to receive the same standard of care and healing.
And so since I believe in the miracles manufactured within the walls of SickKids, here is my personal declaration… my goal:
I am going to try and raise $500.00 for the MiracleMoms Program for The Hospital for Sick Children. I am asking my readers to help me, to join my team, to help me raise $500.00 by following the link to my personal #MiracleMoms Donation Page and making a donation now.
All contributions will benefit Sick Kids Foundation through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Donations of $20 or more will receive tax receipt.
Thank you so much to everyone who donates, shares this page, or helps spread the word about Children’s Miracle Network. I’ll be back at the end of the month with some more information – and inspiration.
I am part of the MiracleMoms program and receive compensation for my participation in this program. All thoughts and opinions reflected in this post are my own.