Maci's Fundraiser

My name is Allie Goodman (aka Dolphreaky) and I, along with the East 12 / Deep End Miami Dolphins family of fans have created this fundraiser to directly benefit 6-year-old Maci Jones and her adoptive family, Darin and Lisa Jones of Vero Beach, FL.

On January 9th, 2022, we had the absolute pleasure of meeting 6-year-old Maci at the Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots game. It was Maci's first game! As Lisa pushed her in her wheelchair to greet us, Maci's little arms were flailing with excitement. She had the biggest smile on her face; it was the look of pure joy and exhilaration. Maci met many Dolphins superfans that day, who showered her with love. Her primary wish was to meet the Miami Dolphins Gorillas (Luke Quave and Josh Concia). And she did just that; Gorilla Luke even bestowed her with his gorilla mask! We were all brought to tears when we heard Maci's story, a story of severe child abuse and unexpected survival.

In September 2017, 2-year-old Maci was left in the care of her biological mother's boyfriend, Stevie Wallace. Upon discovery of extensive bruising, which the boyfriend claims was the result of a fight with his toddler son, Maci's mother took her to the hospital. Doctors found severe bruising all over her body, a cut on her face, an injured lung, eye swelling, and brain damage. Maci had such severe swelling in her brain that it caused her brain to shift by a centimeter. The trauma was equivalent to injuries sustained by falling three stories. It was doubtful that little Maci would survive these life-threatening injuries. Stevie Wallace held without bail was charged with a felony count of aggravated child abuse. In May 2021, he was sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison.

Maci's birth mother, who was unable to care for her brain-damaged child, reached out to Darin Jones, a retired Indian River County sheriff's captain, and his wife Lisa. She and their daughter were close friends in elementary and middle schools. In 2018, the Joneses officially adopted Maci.

To this day, Maci is defying the odds, thanks to the love and care of Darin and Lisa. She requires around-the-clock care, experiences repeated seizures daily, struggles to walk and talk, and has no use of her left hand. Her seizures are primarily caused by startling, and medication alone is not sufficient to control them. She will likely require another major surgery in the near future and the emotional and financial burden on Lisa and Darin will be great.

Interestingly enough, Maci did not suffer a single seizure that day at the Miami Dolphins game. She was truly in her element. Lisa figured they would've had to leave the game early - but no - Maci wanted to stay for the entire game and she was living her best life that day. The Miami Dolphins win was for Maci.

The Dolphins fanbase is an extensive, yet tight-knit group and our power to change lives through fundraising is one of our greatest strengths. Please share Maci's story far and wide. All money raised will go directly to Darin and Lisa Jones for the direct care of Maci, her future medical expenses, and her education. Thank you and FINS UP!

Media Links to Maci's Story:

1. https://cbs12.com/news/local/vero-beach-man-gets-sentenced-30-years-for-beating-2-year-old-nearly-to-death

2. https://www.tcpalm.com/story/opinion/columnists/laurence-reisman/2018/11/20/maci-survival-thanksgiving-story-indian-river-county-sheriff-child-abuse-holidays-christmas-st-mary/1947097002/

3. https://news.amomama.com/284792-retired-captain-adopts-3-year-old-girl-s.html

Fundraiser created with permission from Lisa Jones