When Madi comes to the clinic everyone gets involved with making her visit special. She has been through so much in her short life but her gifts to others is what really shines during her visit with Nemours,” said Dr. Mary Mehta, Chief Medical Officer, Nemours Children’s Specialty Care.
Pensacola, Fla. (February 5, 2020) – Madison Baxley’s 10-year journey with Nemours was honored as she was awarded the first ever “Nemours Children’s Care Champion” due to her ongoing charitable donations to cardiology patients. To mark the occasion, Madi’s care team at Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, Pensacola surprised her with a recognition ceremony, co-sponsored by the Pensacola Children’s Museum. Physicians, nurses, and administrators presented her with a special token of their appreciation and kind words before she attended her cardiology appointment.
Nemours specialists have been caring and treating for the Crestview girl since before she was born. In 2009 Dr. Mary Mehta, Chief Medical Officer, Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, diagnosed Madi in the womb using a fetal echocardiogram, which utilizes sound waves to create pictures of an unborn baby's heart.
“When Madi comes to the clinic everyone gets involved with making her visit special. She has been through so much in her short life but her gifts to others is what really shines during her visit with Nemours,” said Dr. Mary Mehta, Chief Medical Officer, Nemours Children’s Specialty Care.
Madi was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome at 20 weeks gestation. Statistically, her chances of survival were very slim, approximately 1% due to her having both Turner Syndrome and multiple heart defects. Through multiple heart surgeries, therapies, thousands of doctors’ appointments and now daily injections of growth hormones, Madi has found a way to be positive and give back. On a monthly basis Madi and her sister bring in bags full of toys, books and more to fill up the cardiology “Cheer Chest” for the clinics patients.
“Three years ago we decided to start the Cheer Chest in Madis honor. We knew how special she felt when she got a small little prize or toy after an appointment and we wanted to share that joy with other kids! We chose to donate the box to the Pediatric Cardiology clinic at Nemours, since those appointments can be scary for kids,” explained Ashley Baxley, Madi’s Mother. “It has become a family affair and Madi gets so excited when we go and pick out toys to bring in. The toys are bought with donations from family and friends and funding from Mended little Hearts of Pensacola.”
On February 5, Madi was officially deemed a Nemours Children’s Care Champion for her ongoing donations to Pensacola cardiology patients, this is the first Champion award in the clinic’s history. It has been a long-time coming, giving Madi, her mom and others at Nemours the chance to develop bonds and relationships that mom says will last a lifetime.
“Our family feels so blessed that Madi was chosen for this award. We see how amazing she is each and every day and it makes us so proud that others see how special she is too. She lights up any room with her infectious smile and her signature curly blonde hair. We are so proud of everything that she overcomes each day. She is so strong and so brave and even though she goes through so much, she is still the happiest girl I know,” said Mrs. Baxley.
Photos and B-Roll Available: Please check this link daily as photos and b-roll from the award ceremony are being added as they become available. Credit can be given to Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, Pensacola.
About Nemours Children’s Health System
Nemours is an internationally recognized children's health system that owns and operates the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del., and Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, Fla., along with outpatient facilities in six states, delivering pediatric primary, specialty and urgent care. Nemours also powers the world’s most-visited website for information on the health of children and teens, KidsHealth.org and offers on-demand, online video patient visits through CareConnect.
Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, Pensacola is in the midst of a three-year term of accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in Echocardiography in the area(s) of Fetal and Pediatric Transthoracic. Nemours has received this accreditation consistently since 2008. They were awarded in 2008, 2013, 2016 and 2019.
Established as The Nemours Foundation through the legacy and philanthropy of Alfred I. duPont, Nemours provides pediatric clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention programs to families in the communities it serves.
Nemours has a number of service regions. Selecting your region will help us show you the right contact information and the most relevant content for you.