Send Maggie On Once-In-A-Lifetime Trip With Family

Maggie Larson is a beautiful, bright 4 year-old girl in Des Moines who has a rare terminal disease called Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, or MLD.

Last winter, during a hospitalization at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, Maggie and her mom, Heidi, discovered a show on Animal Planet that takes viewers behind-the-scenes at the Bronx Zoo.

"Maggie was less upset and more focused when we had it on," says Heidi.

That's when Maggie's love affair with the Bronx Zoo began.

"Being a medically fragile child, especially in the time of COVID, means you never get to see people. So I think the show has been an escape for her," says Heidi.

Maggie loves seeing and hearing the zoo keepers interact with animals. So much so, that her mom reached out to the Bronx Zoo team to let them know how much the show means to Maggie.

A friendship sparks across the country.

"The staff at Bronx Zoo have expanded Maggie's world," says Heidi. "They treat her like a normal little girl and give us all a little hope and joy."

The Animal Encounters Department at the Bronx Zoo frequently sends videos, messages and gifts to show their support.

In fact, just the other day it was #TeamMaggie Day in the Animal Programs Department where staff wore T-shirts from a recent fundraiser to offset medical expenses.

"They have blessed us more than they know," says Heidi.

This is where YOU come in...

Let's send Maggie to visit her friends at the Bronx Zoo!

You've seen photos of her smiles by simply watching the Bronx Zoo on a screen. Now IMAGINE her smile when she sees it in person!

With medical expenses, a family trip is something the Larsons simply can't afford on their own.

BUT WE CAN!

I asked Heidi what we needed to do to make this special trip happen.

Airfare and accessible lodging for Maggie and her family -- including her twin brother, Will (4), and big brother, Stuart (9) -- comes in at $3,900. I tacked on an extra $100 for whatever travel needs may pop up unexpectedly. And the team at Bronx Zoo has generously offered to accommodate the Larson family for a VIP visit.

We just need to get them there!

LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Every little bit adds up to make a BIG impact, especially in the world of a little girl who finds so much joy in watching animals and staff at the Bronx Zoo from afar.

This could be the only vacation the Larson family takes, and WE have the power to make it be the BEST!

Can you chip in $5 or $10? Will you consider sharing this fundraiser with your social media networks?

Thanks for helping Maggie and her family make memories together while they are able; it is truly a gift to be part of making this trip happen for such an incredible girl and her family!