I am Magalie’s mother. When Magalie was born, we were told she might never speak. She struggled to breathe, couldn’t gain weight, and needed constant care for years. She was born with a serious malformation of the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Normally, surgery can correct the problem. But for her, nothing went as planned.

The years went by. Six very difficult years for our beautiful Magalie, and for our whole family, living day by day with her fragile health. She needed constant care. Then our lives changed when we met Dr. Sam Daniel and his specialized team at The Children’s.

If I can share our story with you today, it is because of donors like you. Your support helps children like Magalie receive life-changing care.

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After further testing, Dr. Daniel shared words that will stay with me forever:

“Your daughter will be able to speak.”

Her father and I could hardly believe it. A valve was placed to help air pass through, and at six years old, Magalie finally said her first words.  And do you know what her very first words were?

“Mommy, Daddy, I love you.”

Our whole family broke down in tears.

Dr. Daniel later proposed a series of procedures, including one that had never been attempted before. It has been a long journey, but Magalie has faced it with incredible courage. In September 2025, a historic milestone was reached: Dr. Daniel reconstructed her trachea using her own ribs. A few weeks later, the results exceeded all our expectations. When she woke up, Magalie was amazed by the sensation of breathing: “Mommy, it tickles!”

Your gift doesn't just help. It promises children like Magalie that everything possible will be done for them.

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Today, she is finally going to school. Something we once thought would never be possible. When we have no time, no energy, nothing left… your donations become a source of comfort. They allow us to simply be there for our child. It changes everything. Thank you for helping families like ours. And thank you for giving the teams at The Children’s the power to achieve the impossible.

Sincerely,

Nathalie
Magalie's mom