January 24th marks 1 year that our beautiful, brave Maeve has been in this world! ❤️

Maeve has had an unfairly difficult journey here, but today is a party for her unbelievable courage, progress and perseverance. We'd get Maeve a Ferrari if we could, but she said pay off my medical bills instead so please extend your support to our responsible queen!!!

Instead of sharing her story from our perspective, below is a note from Maeve's mom, our incredible Maddie, who wrote to reflect on the past year. Please take a moment to share in the significance of this special day and contribute to continued progress for Maeve.

"I can’t believe it’s been a full year since Maeve came into the world. The day itself brings on feelings of grief and trauma but I’m choosing instead to focus on how far she has come, a year later. She has defied so many odds (I’ve said this so many times) but truly it is a miracle she has made it through everything she has from CPR, intubation, storms, 5 months in the NICU, 2 months in the PICU, surgeries, MRIs, pneumonia, weight struggles on fortifiers, seizures, ambulance rides, countless IVs and even more medications. Through all of it she’s been held and cared for by true angels and melted the hearts of so many people. She’s had more PT/OT/speech therapy sessions than most adults ever have in a lifetime. She has been given severe diagnoses from severe brain injury, chronic respiratory failure, seizures, complex GI issues to name a few. All of her deficits and medical concerns take up two sheets of paper to list. Doctors have told us how she will continue to struggle and milestones she may never meet. But what’s not listed on her medical records are the things she can do.

She can bring grown men to tears, puzzle even the smartest doctors, vocalize in high pitched tones that make us laugh, snore louder than her father, handle pain like a champ, find objects with her eyes (only some times but we’re working on it!) and most importantly makes anyone put their complaints and troubles into perspective. The first world problems that used to aggravate me no longer mean anything, and when I feel like complaining I remind myself of all that Maeve the Brave has been through since she was 4 pounds and fought to be here. So clearly there are quite lot of things a little girl can do with all the odds stacked against her. We may not be able to have her smash and try cake, but you better believe we are going to make her feel extra special in our own way and continue to show up for her everyday with love, patience and awe.

Stephen and I truly could not have gotten through the last 365 days without Brave Maeve’s army. The prayer warriors, the financial aid and food suppliers, friends and family checking on us daily, nurses who have become family (current and past), and people who I don’t even know that tell Maeve’s story and spread compassion because of it. The only reason I’m able to stay as positive as I am is because of we have never felt alone, and my stubborn nature of trying to things in a positive light was taught to me after watching my Mom do it our whole lives (thanks for that Mimi). Thank you doesn’t even begin to touch it, we love you all

Happy birthday Maeve the brave! I love you so much and I will always be so proud to be your mom"

Please join us in celebrating one year of this special girl!!!

Love,

Maeve's fan club