Author: katherineambos

A big THANK YOU to Sue Miller & The Rotary Club, Whitby Sunrise for helping to cover the cost of Madison’s new adapted bike! 

Madison had the bike delivered today during her Physio session at Grandview. She loves it! This bike will not only help her continue to build leg strength and endurance, it will also give her more independence and a feeling of adventure outside this spring and summer. The bike was designed and built in Quebec by a company called Trivel.

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​Thank goodness we have a van! Good packing job Daddy!

We are sad to share that our family dog Carter passed away suddenly last night. Madison was sad to not see him today and says she will really miss him. He was her best friend. Thank you to Nate for the beautiful book he brought his cousin. It was a perfect way to end the day at bedtime. He also gave her a small stuffy dog that she has named Carter and has it clipped to her bed rail so she can see him everyday. 

Madi and Jack had an appointment with Eric today for some adjustments. Madi has almost grown out of her AFO’s, so Eric tried one last adjustment to try and get her through until St Louis. 

Daddy had the day off to be together as a family, so he was able to meet Madi’s new horse Jorge!

After riding, Madi picked up a bike helmet for the delivery of her new bike tomorrow!

As a family we went out for dinner to talk about Carter and have some comfort food therapy. Madi and Jack made a visit to the candy store after dinner to continue with some retail therapy. Thank you for everyone’s messages, kind words and support.

Morning fun with Nana & Papa

Visiting with friends and passing forward the very generous donation from the Romano family to her fellow CP warriors

Fun times with her buddy Maya!

Madison had a blast hanging out with Nate this morning. They took turns experimenting with the potty, playing with the vacuum and having lots of snacks. 

While Madi was with Nate, her Uncle Mark gave her an amazing gift from himself and Aunt Nadia. They gave Madison a cheque from the Madi’s Paddy Day Party…$14,225! Thank you to everyone who attended or supported the event! It was a huge success and a wonderful evening. Mark and Nadia – THANK YOU!!!

Madi is on her way to St Louis…30 days we will be in our van crossing the border!!

More blessing came our way today for other members of the CP & SDR community. Madison had the honor of representing her friends by going to one of the homes of the Romano family to accept the donations made by the family to distribute to her many friends they are supporting… 17 families!! Thank you again to the Romano family for their very generous donation to so many kids in need. 

Before heading home, Madison was in the area of Bens house so she stopped by for a play and for dinner. She always has the best time with her buddy Ben!

Physio is always more fun when you have a friend to work hard with you. Thanks Ben!

While Madi was working hard… Jack was busy being crazy! Here, there and everywhere!

Madison had a nice visit with Great Grandma Gregoire this afternoon. She loved holding her hand and trying to take pictures of her. 

Madison did a great job with Ryan in the pool. She has become much more confident and comfortable in the water with her walking which was awesome to see! 

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They also did lots of bobs and had the whole pool to themselves. 

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When Madison got home she wanted to have a bath to show Jack her kicking. They ended up splashing and being silly with their toys instead. They LOVE being in the water together.

Madison did an awesome job at Physio today with Stephanie. They did a huge core set on the ball. Lots of ideas for core work at home- thanks Stephanie!

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It’s always a party at Nana & Papa’s! Madison’s activity of choice this evening was vacuuming!

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Madison arrived home to see a large box sitting on the porch with her name on it. Through all of the media blitz to help raise awareness for herself and her friends in need of support for SDR surgery… her fans at the Blue Jays took notice, cheered her on and decided to send her a special care package to say good luck in St Louis. Thanks Jays!

Madi had a great time in yoga class this morning at school. She loves trying new poses with her friends. Her fav’s today were child’s pose and hot air balloon!

Madi worked on some good stretching and strengthening exercises today at Grandview from her pre-op booklet. Her “skill of the day” that was focused on was learning to stand up from the floor.

After Grandview, Madison went home to relax and have some down time on her iPad. 

Later in the evening she headed to ballet and then massage. Even after a day full of movement and exercise, Shannon noted how tight Madi’s muscles were. We are going to try to increase her Epson Salt baths and add more massage throughout her day as her cramps and spasms have significantly increased. 

Happy Birthday Grandma Sandra!

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Thank you Muckish Irish Pub & Blessed Cardinal Newman High School for your astounding donation of $8,292.00 for Madison and her SDR surgery in St Louis. We are 41 days away from her surgery and can not thank you enough for helping her get there! We will think of you all when she takes her first steps! Thank you and God bless! 

Madi was back at school today after her March Break. She has a new friend in her class who’s name is… Madison! The class agreed to call her Mads so there’s no confusion haha.

Madison started back at WindReach Farm today and met her new horse named George! Her instructor Cori was thrilled to see Madison and reported that Madison remembered everything from her last block of lessons and did a great job with her loud voice. 

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Shannon from Beautifully Honest made these awesome boards for Madison. They will be hung next to her treadmill to bring everyone inspiration during rehab. Thank you Shannon!

Last night was our final fundraiser for Madison’s journey to St. Louis! Madi’s Paddy Day Party!

It was an amazing success full of love from family and friends!

Thank you to everyone who attended or supported the event. We greatly appreciate everyone’s hard work, support, determination and for believing in Madison and this process.

When Madison is in St Louis and we witness the start of her new life and all the possibilities, we will think of all of you. 

When she experiences days pain free and takes her first steps, we will think of all of you. 

Thank you to all of our CP friends for all of your support, shared knowledge, kindness and for always listening and helping get us to this point we are at. 

Thank you to our parents and family for your countless hours of support and guidance. 

We want to extend a huge thank you to Mark and Nadia! They are responsible for the amazing night last night – it was a huge success! They spent months planning and getting everything ready so that it was perfect for Madison. This past week – if they weren’t working or coaching, they were using every minute making sure they had every detail finalized. Thank you Mark and Nadia for this beautiful gift for Madison and others in the CP and SDR community. 

In all the craziness of our media blitz over the past month, it was our hope and in our prayers that those efforts would bring  the same good fortune to other kids needing the same as Madison. 

This week those hopes were listened to. Just as everyone who attended the event, provided items or food and all stepped up to help Madison, another family in our community came forward to help Madison’s friends who have already gone to St Louis for their surgery, or have plans on going. 

That family attended last night and made a special announcement that we were excited to be a part of. Jessica Romano, who is the daughter of Mario Romano at Castlepoint Investments made a donation of $500,000 to support children in the SDR community. Amazing!!! Thank you!!!

CP24 News Link
CTV News Link
Madison said her favourite part of the night was the band and dancing. 

Madi had a great sleep in this morning and then headed to her friend Connor’s birthday at Joey’s World! Thanks for the great party Connor! Great place for hidden physio!


Nails with Mommy!

After some down time, the family headed to Pig Out for a birthday dinner. Thanks everyone for a wonderful and very memorable/life changing weekend!