Madalyn Shepherd, is an almost eight-year-old with an Undiagnosed Neurological Condition. University of Iowa doctors have said there is nothing they can do to heal her but can help Madalyn’s family problem-solve the many challenges Madalyn’s condition presents throughout her lifetime. Currently, Madalyn’s greatest need is an accessible van so that she can attend weekly therapy, doctor’s appointments, and participate in family life.
Madalyn’s smile is contagious. She is the embodiment of joy. She “sings” at church and laughs at her siblings. Horse Therapy has become her favorite activity. With careful assistance, Madalyn also enjoys going down park slides and playing in the pool. Madalyn spins in her wheelchair for entertainment and loves playing “catch” with an oversized ball (just watch out, you never know where the ball will go!)
Madalyn does NOT like broccoli or yogurt. She tries to avoid getting her hair or teeth brushed!
Even though Madalyn’s condition is currently not life threatening, she does live very differently than many. Madalyn’s brain struggles with balance and her legs are underdeveloped which makes it difficult to walk. She crawls, uses a wheelchair regularly, and a walker for a short period of time. Madalyn has a g-tube to help her eat and she struggles with incontinence.
Madalyn’s cognitive development is delayed with slow progress. Her developmental age is estimated between 2-3 years old. She uses an iPad talker to help her communicate because her speech is slow to develop. Madalyn’s physical functions operate at “Madalyn speed” as her family calls it (very slow).
Madalyn’s family quickly learned that her ever changing needs are expensive, and sometimes unreachable, even with help from Medicaid.
Madalyn’s greatest medical need right now is an accessible van. Madalyn is getting too heavy for her family to lift into a car seat. Madalyn attends several different therapies each week and her family is very involved at their church, sibling activities, and community events. With your generosity, an accessible van will allow their family to continue with Madalyn’s therapy, doctor’s appointments, and daily activities.
Family and friends of Madalyn Shepherd are raising money in partnership with the nonprofit Help Hope Live, in honor of Madalyn, to help fund the purchase of an accessible van and uninsured medical expenses associated with her Undiagnosed Neurological Condition.
We have chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live, in part, because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse expenses related to Madalyn’s condition. This organization also allows for companies to match funds contributed, please consider checking to see if your company is one that will match your gift.
To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the GIVE button. And please share Madalyn’s campaign on your social media platforms. Every donation helps.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
