Hometown: Munroe falls, OH
Age on Race Day: 9
Diagnosis: Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, VACTERL, Hearing Loss
Doctors diagnosed Maddie with spina bifida at just 19 weeks gestation. This gave her parents and care team plenty of time to prepare, but when she was born, they discovered she also had an anorectal malformation, a birth defect that affects movement of the bowel. In her first 30 days of life, Maddie had four surgeries, including placement of a colostomy bag to address the anorectal malformation.
Though discharged soon after, Maddie continued to visit the hospital frequently, undergoing more surgeries, many hours of occupational, physical, and speech therapies, as well as countless doctor visits.
When Maddie was 6 years old, she was referred to the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at Nationwide Children's Hospital. There, she met with Dr. Richard Wood, director of the Center, who let her know that though other doctors originally told her she would need her colostomy bag for life, this was not the case. He could perform a procedure known as a Malone that would give her independence.
“We felt like a miracle fell in our laps when we were told that by no means does Maddie have to live her life with her colostomy bag,” recalls Maddie’s mom, Olivia. “We are forever grateful for joining Dr. Wood and his team.”
Maddie has experienced so much in seven short years, including undergoing 17 surgeries. Despite these challenging and emotional times, Maddie has never let it stop her from living her best life. A lover of animals and the outdoors, Maddie spends time with her three dogs, horseback riding, and going to the beach.
