Madelen, a.k.a. ‘Maddie,’ is an 8-year-old little girl who is in 3rd grade at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School.
n
nMaddie has an eye condition called optic nerve hypoplasia. This condition has caused severe vision problems that have made her legally blind.
n
nMaddie also has a condition called endocrinopathy, which is a hormone deficiency that causes delayed growth. She was nonverbal until 6 years of age.
n
nIn November 2020, Maddie was also diagnosed with autism. She struggles with food textures and using a fork and spoon.
n
nMaddie currently requires the use of a cane and receives growth hormone shots every day.
n
nMaddie is a very determined and independent child. She has already overcome many obstacles. Although she has extremely impaired vision, Maddie has found a way to read both braille and print.
n
nMaddie’s favorite color is purple. She loves Barbies, music, playing the drums and piano, and she has a very imaginative mind.
n
nMaddie will be adopted as a Sparrow to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School. ALE Students will work hard to raise money for Maddie through sponsored community service.