Page 53 - SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN OPEN PROGRAM 2017

STANDARD BEARERS | News

Madelyn Hubbs Nicholas Gribosky Isabel Blanchard
St. Louis, Missouri Tampa, Florida Twin Cities, Minnesota

Madelyn Hubbs, 17, was born unique. Her For the past five years, the expert medical Shriners Hospitals for Children – Twin Cities
distinctive red hair and beautiful smile can team at Shriners Hospital for Children- Tampa is proud to introduce Isabel Blanchard as
light up any room. She goes horseback has cared for Nicholas Gribosky, a 15-year- its patient ambassador to the 2017 Shriners
riding, enjoys reading and riding her bike, and old from Fort Myers, Florida. Nicholas loves Hospitals for Children Open. Izzy, aged 15, has
competes on her high school swim team and running, longboard surfing and playing been a patient at the Twin Cities hospital since
paintball.
co-ed water polo team: and she does it all she was three, when she began treatment
one-handed. Born missing her entire left arm, Born with fibular hemimelia, a congenital for a limb difference below the elbow. From
Madelyn doesn’t let her physical difference absence of the fibula, Nicholas had many Anoka, Minnesota, Izzy is an inspiration to
hold her back. Displaying a confidence that casts and surgeries to allow him to walk. all patients, as she doesn’t let any challenge
most adults don’t have, she is unafraid to Although surgeries to lengthen his leg, align get in her way and takes on every task with
attempt any activity, challenge, or obstacle his foot and stabilize his knee allowed him enthusiasm.
- proving to others that anything is possible. to walk, play and run, this activity was not
Friendly, caring, helpful, and always cheerful, without pain. Thanks to the help of the physical and
Madelyn captures the hearts of everyone she occupational therapy department, Izzy is
encounters. In the age of computer searches at your achieving her dreams as a keen swimmer,
fingertips, Nicholas did a lot of research and
saw that there were many prosthetics that archer, and was also first chair in her middle
Madelyn is primarily supported through would allow him to run with greater range of school orchestra. The hospital crafted custom
the Occupational Therapy Department at motion at the ankle. Through his research, prostheses to help her with her favorite
Shriners Hospitals for Children – St. Louis. Nicholas decided he wanted to have an activities, like a prosthetic arm that allows
To thank the hospital for the support and amputation and wear a prosthetic so that he her to shoot a bow and arrow and another
treatment she receives, Madelyn volunteers could be active without pain. for weightlifting. Izzy is excited and honored
to speak at disability awareness and anti- to represent Shriners Hospital for Children –
bullying programs, helps out during hospital After many tears, prayers and conversations, Twin Cities along with her mother Julie, and
events and activities, and even hosts her Nicholas and his parents approached Dr. father Matt.
own fundraisers and toy drives to benefit the Maureen Maciel, M.D., the chief of staff at
Shriners Hospital for Children – Tampa with
hospital. their questions and concerns. Maciel and the
entire staff spent many hours and multiple
Madelyn’s family, mom Melissa, dad Jeff, and visits reviewing options. Two and a half years
brother Kyle, are also dedicated members after Nicholas’ initial decision, he underwent a
of the Patient Ambassador Program with successful partial left foot amputation.
Madelyn. A few years ago, Jeff showed his
commitment by becoming a Shriner. Today, less than a year after his surgery and
many weekly physical therapy visits, Nicholas
is able to walk, run and play without pain.
Now he can concentrate on his ultimate goal
of running a marathon.

“With extreme appreciation, Nicholas, along
with his parents, grandparents and sister
would like to thank the nurses, physical
therapists, POP’s staff and Dr. Maciel.
Nicholas is honored to represent Shriners
Hospital for Children – Tampa at the 2017
Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

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