Children like Maddy are the reason Cumming sponsors the annual Project One Foundation Children’s Classic that benefits Children’s Hospital Colorado. She is this year’s guest of honor and one of the hospital’s Patient Ambassadors.
Madelyn was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at an early age, a rare condition caused by mutations on the X chromosome. The disorder can lead to a wide range of symptoms including loss of mobility, seizures, and the inability to talk. Although Maddy achieved her early developmental stages mostly on time, she lost the ability to speak and feed herself as a toddler. She didn’t play or socialize with other young children her age. That’s when her parents took her to Children’s Colorado. She began receiving care at the Rocky Mountain Rett Clinic and was enrolled in several research studies that were designed to learn more about the condition and discover potential treatments.
Today, Maddy is in high school and loves fashion, sporting events, anything related to Harry Potter and playing with her dogs. Although she cannot communicate verbally, Maddy has learned to use a speech-generating device that relies on her eye movements – and she dreams of becoming a food critic one day.
Children’s Hospital Colorado Patient Ambassadors are nominated by their community and caregivers. They have displayed extraordinary strength and courage in the face of tremendous medical challenges. They have endured more surgeries, setbacks, and hospitalizations than most people experience in a lifetime. Maddy’s story of resilience reminds us why it’s so important to support Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Maddy has created a personal fundraising page to support an area of the hospital that is meaningful to her. Please consider donating to her fundraising efforts here.