Maddie is my bright, determined little girl who lives every day with cerebral palsy caused by a brain injury in utero followed by bilateral strokes. She was diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy, along with other diagnoses to include epilepsy, hip dysplasia, dysarthria. She’s faced more challenges in her few years than most adults do in a lifetime — and she meets each one with laughter, grit, and a fierce desire to move.

Lately, Maddie has also been recovering from a series of scary brainstem episodes. Through it all, she’s kept her joyful spirit and her love for adventure. Walking is her favorite way to feel independent and strong — she loves to go fast, explore nature, and keep up with her siblings wherever they play. She isn’t able to walk or stand unassisted, but she uses a posterior walker on her own.

Right now, her regular walker works beautifully indoors or on smooth surfaces, but it just can’t handle uneven ground. It gets stuck in grass, gravel, and mulch, and it can even tip if she goes too quickly. That means when we go on hikes or play outside, Maddie often has to be carried or sit in her wheelchair instead of walking beside her brothers and sister.

The Crocodile All-Terrain Walker would change that.

It has large, air-filled tires, extra stability, and a design made specifically for kids like Maddie who want to move independently on any terrain. It would let her safely walk on playgrounds, trails, and at community events — joining in rather than watching from the sidelines.

Insurance doesn’t cover this equipment, and the cost is $1,685 once you add the trunk support, anti tippers, and safety strap attachments for her level of support needs. It’s not a medical necessity in the strict sense, but it’s a life-changing tool for Maddie’s confidence, inclusion, and freedom.

If you’ve ever wondered how you could help after her brainstem episodes or during her ongoing therapy journey, this is one small but meaningful way to do it. Any amount — or even sharing this page — helps us get closer to that independence.

Thank you for always believing in Maddie and for cheering her on as she keeps moving forward.