Meet Madi, a patient who is treated by our experts in our Center for Excellence in Foot. Learn more about her journey below.

Blog written by Madi, of Frisco. 

Hi, my name is Madi. I am a silly and adventurous nine and a half-year-old that loves art, volleyball and skiing. I have been a patient at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children basically my whole life. I was born with a condition called preaxial polydactyly – which means that I have an extra toe on my left foot. 

I was sent to Scottish Rite Hospital when I was just a baby. We met with Dr. Birch to talk about my surgery and plans for the future. When I was 10 months old, I had my first surgery to remove the extra bones. It was successful and I learned how to walk on my own later that month!

I have to say - hospitals can be scary for a little kid, but I have been so lucky to have amazing doctors and nurses!

Because I have had such good experiences, I have wanted to be an anesthesiologist since I was four years old. I want to work with kids at Scottish Rite Hospital because kids are fun. Plus, I know what it is like to be in the hospital a lot. I can make what could be scary more fun for others.

One thing I love about Scottish Rite Hospital is how bright and colorful everything is. Everyone is always so happy! This has made me want to give back and spread joy for as many other kids as I can - since I can’t be a doctor just yet!

I love to do pajama and toy drives for the hospital. I know there are so many kids that have to stay for a really long time and I just love getting to show them some extra love and kindness. I like to give back to the hospital every year around my birthday. My parents started donating gifts at my first birthday and we have donated every year. This year, I did a pajama drive and partnered with my mom’s company, Matilda Jane Clothing. I made a video sharing my story and with her help, we crushed my goal of 25. We were able to donate 126 sets of pajamas back to the hospital! Can you believe that?!

My next big surgery is this summer. I am bummed because cast = no swimming, but I am excited because my surgery will be at the new Frisco campus. I will get to see new doctors and meet some new friends while I recover! I haven’t decided on my next gift for the hospital, but I know that it will be BIG and AWESOME.

I want to make lots of kids happy and not sad about being born different!

My family says I am a mini philanthropist (yes, I had to ask my dad how to spell that), but I think I am a kid that has been super lucky. My family and friends love me just the way I am and we always make the best out of what could be bad medical stuff! Plus, lots of great and smart doctors have helped me along the way. They always show how much they care about me. 

A kid should always have a great, fun experience in a hospital!

Love, Madi
 

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