Madison had a good time today at Grandview and she worked really hard on some new strengthening exercises.
Day 1,151: VV Photos!
Madi spent her morning at March of a Dimes working on all sorts of skills including walking with her AFO’s hinged and making apple pie!
Madi was busy at Variety Village this afternoon helping with a new special project… stay tuned!
Day 1,150: The Mike Gregoire Memorial Golf Tournament
Wow! What a day we had! We were blown away with how many people attended the tourament today in memory of Mike and in support of Madison’s post op therapy programs. We had about 200 golfers and 230 for dinner! Madison and Jack loved visiting with everyone and being a part of the whole day!
More than three years ago Lisa, Pat, Jessica and other family members approached us about wanting to help Madison. They wanted to find a way to help her be able to access all the therapies she needed by including her as a recipient in this amazing tournament that celebrates Mike and the man he was.
We’re not sure if people realize, how that offer has been truly life changing for Madison. James and I wish we could give her everything she needs – from therapies to equipment to surgeries, but realistically a lot of those things have been out of reach for us – but from the golf tournament committees offer and all of our family and friends supporting the tournament year after year, we have been able to give Madison the moon and the stars. We have been able to give her a bright looking future of being mobile, being independent, being strong and happy.
Madison’s SDR surgery was 1.5 years ago. About 6 months after that, it was confirmed she would need another surgery as her muscle length in her legs was limiting her progression from her first surgery. She just returned about 7 weeks ago from her second surgery in St. Louis. She had a muscle lengthening procedure done on both calf muscles. Since then she has been back to doing therapy 6 days a week to regain her strength and skills.
Now that Madison is older, she wanted to be the one to say a big thank you and show everyone what she has been able to achieve thanks to all of your support.
For those who may not know, Madison’s weekly therapy costs are usually between $500-$700 a week. Every week she swims, goes to conductive education, has three physio sessions, goes to massage, horseback riding and gait training. Madison’s intense therapy program will run for most of this next year, so the funds being allocated to her from this years tournament will help with all her therapy costs so we can keep her working hard and progressing each and everyday.
Thank you to all of our volunteers today who were out on the course all day, setting up the silent auction and to Deer Creek for hosting us and providing excellent service.
Thank you to everyone who donated items for our silent auction or for door prizes! Today was an extremely successful tournament. Thank you!!
Day 1,149: Flat Feet!
Madi had so much fun at conductive ed this week! She loved playing with leaves!
Its a beautiful thing to see flat feet and new skills developing.
Day 1,148: New Boots!
Mommy was super excited for Madison’s special delivery today. Madison’s custom fall boots arrived that were hand made to fit over her AFO’s! They were made by a company called Shoes for AFO’s by Gracious May based out of the USA. As many of you know, finding shoes or boots that fit AFo’s Is very difficult so this is an amazing find and will give Madison a break from having to wear running shoes all the time.
After school, Madison and Nana headed to Grandview for some physio! Madison has been working on taking longer strides with her walking so they did some work on balance beams and ladders to force Madison to kick forward to make a big step.
Day 1,147: Little Fish!
Madi spent most of her day relaxing and playing with her new birthday toys before it was time to head to the Village.
She is loving being back in the pool and is doing so well!
After swimming Madi & Jack went for dinner at Nana & Papa’s and made pizzas!
The Mike Gregoire Memorial Golf Tournament is 1 week away! Hope to see everyone there!
Day 1,146: Happy Birthday Ben!
Madison had a busy, but funtastic day!
Her Saturday started with dance class. She is now in a combo class this year for 45 minutes trying out ballet, jazz and tap. She LOVED it!
She then headed up to Smile Therapy for a strength session that focused on skills for walking. Jack decided he needed to exercise too so he joined in and the two worked out together.
After a good workout, Madi & Jack headed to Bens 5th birthday party! They went swimming and then had some pizza and cake. It was a great party!
Day 1,145: Go Leafs Go!
Thank you Starlight for hosting Madison and a small group of other Starlight friends in a box at the Leafs game tonight! She had a blast dancing and watching the game and loved seeing the CN tower on her way home. Going to events where people volunteer to help out and offer lots of space to move around really makes a difference for Madison. She had an amazing time and the Leafs won!
Day 1,144: The Last Few Days In Review
Day 1,143: SPARKS!
Madison couldn’t wait for tonight… she had been asking for weeks. Tonight was her first Sparks meeting with Girl Guides.
She confidently walked into a gym full of 45 girls between the ages of 5-8, found her friend Scarlett and told me I could go. I was so proud of her for being independent, making friends and rocking it!
After an hour and 15 I picked her up and she didn’t want to leave, she was so sad it was over. Madi said her favourite part was colouring her take home bag and learning the Sparks song. She can’t wait for next week! We pick up her cookies this Saturday so get your orders in! Haha
Madi Moves 