Madi Moves

Madison started her last PT block at Grandview today that will go all the way up until she leaves for St Louis. She had an assessment and activities with her PT Kate who also incorporated some language activities when her speech therapist Christine joined in on the session. Her OT Kathy also stopped by to check in on some self help strategies Madison has been trialing at home. Madison was exhausted after the appointment but felt great and had a good time. 

Jack loved playing basketball while he watched his sister exercise

This pic was taken late last night when Madi saw Shannon for a massage. It’s safe to say her Botox is completely gone! No ankle rotation and she is experiencing lots of cramping pain… Count down to May is on!

Madison and Jack went to Nana’s school – St Brigid-  today to visit with Mary Lou and all the staff and students at the school. On Valentine’s  Day the school dressed in pink and red and purchased cupcakes in support of Madison’s upcoming surgery. They raised a total of $2,400 and presented Madison with a cheque today in a school assembly. They showed Madison’s fundraising video and spoke about her upcoming surgery. Madison spoke on the mic and thanked everyone for their help. 

Madison then played in the kindergarten class during their centres time and listened to a book about making friends. All of the kids were so excited to meet her and have her play with them. They each made Madi a card to bring to her hospital room. Before it was time to go, Madison and Jack visited with all the staff during recess to have some yummy treats to celebrate and thank everyone. 

Thank you St Brigid for all your support!

Madison had a great day with Aunt Emily and Daddy. One of their adventures involved attending a Raly at Grandview Kids where Madison receives some of her therapies. They are trying to raise awareness of the long wait lists and the growing need for a new building with more space to the Premier. 

​

​
Thank you Aunt Emily for your help this weekend while Mommy was away coaching

Madison had a great session with Stephanie today. She did lots of walking and worked on her balance while standing and doing different activities with her hands.

​

​
Madison loved her visit with Great Grandma Gregoire and helping her with her afternoon refreshment. 

March 1st kicks off CP Awareness month that many countries celebrate and share around the world. 

A big thank you to The Rotary Club: Whitby Sunrise who confirmed with us today that they will be able to help with a large portion of the cost of Madi’s new bike! Her bike is on its way!

It’s sometimes sad to think back on the day and realize how many hours were spent out of the day in the van driving. Or how many snacks and meals were eaten in the van going from point A to B to C to D. But when Madi says how much she loved all her activities in the day, her legs feel great and she’s happy being busy – it’s all worth it!

Madi and her buddy Ella love mat time at school working through all her pre-op exercises.

After school, it was pizza for lunch with these two crazies 

Madi and Monika did some great walking at March of Dimes this afternoon! Madi loved reading about the truffula trees today. Her job was to walk to get a tree, and walk back to a different table to plant it.

Madi had her picture taken at Grandview today with the local Pickering newspaper to share her OHIP news!

 After pictures, Madi and her buddy Evelyn had an OT session together. They did a self assessment of where they are at with their self help skills like putting on their own socks or a shirt. They did different activities sitting on a stool to practice putting an oversized shirt on and learning how to stretch out their socks to fit over their feet. They did some work with stickers and colouring too – lots of learning and lots of fun!

Jack was a trooper today and just went wherever his sister went. He loves exploring the halls of Grandview!

Madison’s day ended with one of her favourite things…ballet class! Her ‘In My Own Skin’ shirt and hat arrived today! Thanks Mo!

Madison had an awesome morning at school! She was super excited to show everyone her new Peppa Pig backpack- thanks Nicole! 

Last week we met with Madisons teachers to discuss plans for kindergarten, getting her ready for surgery, after surgery etc. We gave them the pre-op exercises from Dr Park to be able to see some things we are focusing on before surgery. Today when we picked up Madison from school, her teacher had all the exercises photocopied, cut out and laminated on a key ring on her belt- and in other places in the classroom and gym so that whenever Madison has the opportunity for floor time – someone can do some pre-op exercises with her. They are also including some of her friends in the exercises to make them fun and friendly. LOVE her school!!!!

When Madi got home from school she went straight to her gym to do some walking on the treadmill and walking between furniture.

​​
​

​
​​​​​Madi and Jack had a great time playing hide and go seek and dancing with Nana & Papa while Mommy was coaching. 
​​​
​​

​​​​

We are still overwhelmed but feeling so loved and supported from the fundraiser last night at Muckish Irish Pub. Here are some pictures from the night that were posted today. Thank you for everyone’s generosity!

Madi had a great afternoon playing with Jack and her partner in crime- Nate! They played while different members of the family joined together to celebrate the different fundraising successes, plans for St Louis, plans for the last fundraising event and discussed ideas of how we can support other SDR families. So many great ideas, so much support! So many tickles and fun with Auntie Em!

Madi did a great job this morning at her gym class. She said her favourite part was being line leader for one of the games.

Later in the day Emily and Madison had a nice visit together. Madison showed Emily her new treadmill and did lots of fun activities like making food and some art. Emily gave Madi a very sweet card and activity book to wish her good luck in St Louis. Thanks for the visit Emily!

After dinner, Mommy & Madi headed to Muckish Irish Pub for a girls night out! With the help of Cardinal Newman High School, the pub hosted a fundraiser night for Madison and her upcoming surgery. It was amazing!!! Almost 200 people were in attendance who participated in a live auction, raffles, door prizes and dancing. Madison was a rock star! She met so many new people and gave an amazing speech. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated prizes, purchased tickets and are supporting Madison’s journey. It was an awesome night!! Thank you Muckish Pub!

Madi and Jack had a sleep in this morning while Mommy had some radio interviews with 640 and 1010. They asked great questions and it was awesome to continue sharing our story in the hopes of helping others.

Madi skipped school to get some sleep and to go to a vendor who was in town from Quebec to check out a bike. Madi trialled the bike, got measured and picked her accessories and then the order was placed! She will be getting her new purple trike in 2 weeks! 

Madi made front page of The Toronto Sun again today! So proud!

She spent her afternoon relaxing after the last few days of craziness. Loves her new headphones and easy hold iPad case.

Madi had a great swim tonight! Lots of good work on transitioning from back floats to tucking her legs in to try and stand up. She also did lots of great walking around the hot pool. 

Jack loved watching his big sister swim but he also loved checking out all the basketball in the gym