Addison (Addie) is a vibrant child with a bright future ahead of her. She's excelling academically and loves playing make-believe with her stuffed bunny, Barbara. She routinely takes out her doctor's kit, gives Barbara and her family check-ups, and performs surgery when necessary.
Addie knows a lot about check-ups and surgery. At just under 2 years old, she experienced a seizure that wouldn't stop. She was airlifted to Phoenix Children's where doctors diagnosed her with cavernous malformations in her brain and a brain bleed.
“This is where our journey with PCH began,” says Addie's parents, Renee and Scott. “From the moment we arrived, we knew we were in great hands. Social work greeted us immediately. Every interaction we had across the board provided explanations, and everyone was so calm and cool.”
Renee and Scott say Addie went from the ICU to surgery after a few days once she stabilized to remove additional malformations. She was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy. After her initial discharge, Addie immediately started therapy and went on to have a second brain surgery to remove more malformations. And there's always potential for more.
Throughout this journey, Addie and her family found comfort through family-centered programs funded through philanthropy.
“One of the amazing things we quickly learned about at Phoenix Children's was Child Life,” says Renee. “Unfortunately, this all happened at the height of COVID with heavy hospital restrictions. Child Life came to her and absolutely lifted Addison's spirits to receive these visits and play with the toys and activities. She has also been visited by Checkers, the black lab from Animal-Assisted Therapy. Addie absolutely loves Checkers.”
Today, Addie continues her regular therapies at Phoenix Children's, as well as her yearly MRIs to ensure her brain is healing and there aren't any additional harmful malformations. Despite her difficult journey, Addie has a positive attitude about life, and she never goes anywhere without her “amazing smile” and her pal, Barbara.
Addison's Interests
Playing doctor
Her medical kit
Her bunny, Barbara
Checkers (Animal-Assisted Therapy dog)
Child Life
- “The ICU nurses were amazing, professional and knowledgeable. They helped teach Addie what was going on by performing on Addie's doll, ‘Barbara.' Barbara is a stuffed bunny and goes to all of Addie's appointments. She loves all stuffed animals.”Renee and ScottAddison's parents
Phoenix Children’s Patient Ambassadors are a valiant bunch—they’ve shown immense strength amidst great setbacks. They’re also athletes, intellectuals, artists and the best siblings.
Even though their lives are full of medical appointments, they want to help other patients. Each ambassador has created a fundraising page to support Phoenix Children’s. Consider donating to Addison's fund today.
