As we look back on 2024, we want to share the inspiring story of Maddie, a medically fragile little girl who has touched all our hearts. Her journey from uncertainty to stability and finally a forever home is a powerful reminder of why our work is so important. We hope her story inspires you to join us in supporting foster children like Maddie to help ensure they receive the love, care, and dignity they deserve.
Maddie came to Bloom as a medically fragile infant, facing more challenges in her first few months of life than many face in a lifetime. Born with complex medical needs, she required tube feeding and around-the-clock care. Her first Bloom foster family, the Smiths, went above and beyond to help meet her physical and emotional needs, even preparing specialized baby food and learning how to use her feeding pump.
In May of 2021, a licensed nurse named Allie began providing respite care for Maddie to support the Smith family. Respite care offers temporary relief to foster families when they need to travel, recharge, or manage other obligations. Allie became an integral part of Maddie’s care team, stepping in regularly to provide support and working closely with the Smith family to ensure Maddie’s needs were met. Allie’s medical expertise allowed her to advocate for Maddie in ways that helped improve her quality of life.
“As a nurse, I felt comfortable challenging Maddie’s medical team when necessary,” said Allie. “Together, we were able to transition her to syringe bolus feeds, freeing her from being stationary for six-plus hours a day. The Smith family and I worked together in true partnership towards her progress.”
When it became clear that the goal for Maddie had shifted to adoption, the Smith family approached Allie about becoming Maddie’s full-time caregiver. On March 1, 2023, Maddie moved in with Allie for an extended respite and has been with her ever since!
In March 2024, Allie married her husband, and Maddie served as their flower girl. Together, they continued to work toward adopting Maddie, with Allie’s husband becoming a licensed foster parent to help complete the process. The Smith family remained an integral part of Maddie’s life, providing respite care whenever Allie and her husband needed support.
According to Allie, the Bloom Closet was also instrumental in supporting Maddie’s journey. On her first visit, she picked out clothing, books, and a toy truck that remains her favorite to this day. The shelves lined with books were especially meaningful, as Maddie, though non-verbal, adores reading.
Over the past several years, Maddie has made remarkable progress. She no longer requires daily medications, started eating by mouth, and has gained five pounds after struggling to maintain her weight. Perhaps most exciting, Maddie played her first team sport this year, tee ball—learning valuable lessons alongside her 3-and 4-year-old teammates.
“Maddie is fearless, and we’ve affectionately nicknamed her the ‘tiny tornado,’” said Allie. “She’s all dirt, dresses and dinosaurs, often outside barefoot in a tutu, roaring as she plays. She lives life eager to experience everything the world has to offer.”
Thank you for making stories like Maddie’s possible. To donate to Bloom and support foster children like Maddie, click HERE.
