In April 2014, our youngest daughter Maddi was in a traumatic accident while on a family vacation in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. In a split second, right before our eyes, our last day of the trip turned tragic. Maddi fell from a restaurant balcony as we were taking sunset group pictures of the kids. After 36 extremely long hours in a Mexican hospital perseverance worked its magic and a medical transport was coordinated by family and CHOP staff. Maddi was flown to CHOP's Trauma ER and as assured, the trauma team was waiting. In a moment Maddi was surrounded by one of the countries best pediatric trauma teams. The relief and comfort of this terrifying sight was so overwhelming yet so full of protection and safety... the rest of the day is a blur but no doubt an angel was watching over Maddi as CHOP saved her life! A traumatic accident is life changing- not one person involved is prepared for it. Not one person is effected in the same way. The only thing those involved in a traumatic accident are sure of is that in one instant they all became part of one horrific journey. A journey of physical and emotional pain that no child, sibling or parent should ever be witness to. A journey that in the end can bring such strength and character once through immediate shock- All will prove to be braver than ever imaginable and a grace like none other will shine bright from the survivors. It was a long road of surgeries, immobility, tests and rehabilitation for Maddi. Luckily, we are blessed with a wonderfully supportive family and a strong community who in Maddi's time of healing surrounded her with a plethora of arts & crafts, reading books, paints, puzzles and cards. All things of which helped her feel normal and keep busy. Most importantly though, these ‘things’ provided her with activities she and her sisters and friends could re-connect over. Coloring took over TV watching, painting was more fun than tag,sand art was better than swimming and painting nails opened conversations of feelings and pain. We want to forever pay forward the blessings we received during our time of need so we created MADDI'S BAG. MADDI'S BAG soley supports the Maddi's Bag Child Life Fund for the Trauma Unit at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Every child admitted to the unit receives a "comfort bag" loaded with age appropriate activities to ease and minimize stress to new young patients and families. In addition, we sponsor the Trauma Nurse of the Month award which recognizes a valuable and dedicated clinician that plays such a critical role in recovery.
100% of the money raised will go directly to these incredible program. It is our life goal to help comfort children when the unexpected confronts them traumatically. We believe that where there is hope, there is faith and that where there is faith, miracles happen!
