At the end of March 2025, following severe burns, 12-year-old Madisson was placed in an induced coma to allow her body to heal after skin grafts. When she woke up two months later, another challenge awaited the young athlete: she had to learn how to walk again! Madi never imagined that physiotherapy and occupational therapy would demand such Herculean effort to regain her mobility...

On August 21, curious about the buzz in the P.K. Subban Atrium, Madi went down in her wheelchair. Moved by the stories shared during the Caring for Kids Radiothon, she spontaneously made a donation “to help sick children,” despite her own pain—a gesture of remarkable generosity.

Back in her room, she resumed her exercises and schoolwork through the Hospital School Program, which allows student-patients to continue their academic progress during hospitalization, until they’re able to return to their regular classroom.

Day by day, her determination and resilience transformed the grimaces on her face into bright smiles. A huge victory for her, her family, her intensive care team… and for our generous donors, too!

Thanks to the Pediatric Child Life program—entirely funded by our donors—Madi regained confidence and joy through pet therapy, creative and cooking workshops, Dr. Clown visits, and more; activities she always looked forward to and that did her a world of good.

After six and a half months at the Children’s, Madisson was discharged and continues her physio and occupational therapy at a specialized centre. In November, she’ll return to the Children’s for follow-up plastic surgery appointments. In the meantime, Madi dreams of getting back on her horse. Her smile says it all…

Bravo, Madi, for your incredible journey, which you've faced with the strength and grace of a true rider! You are an inspiration of courage for all Children’s patients. And thank you, for helping young patients like Madisson at the Children’s.