Meet Madi

From the moment Madi was old enough to tumble she fell in love with competitive cheerleading. At just 5 years old, she found her passion on the mat, flipping, stunting, and performing with an amazing energy. Cheer was more than a sport to her it was her joy and her dream to continue until college.

When Madi was 9 everything changed. She started complaining of wrist and finger pain which we initially thought was overuse. Thankfully, a doctor recognized the symptoms and referred her to the rheumatology clinic at NCH to rule out JIA. The visit to rheumatology was a whirlwind and I will never forget the moment the doctor telling us she has Juvenile idiopathic arthritis. See, I was also diagnosed with JIA in 1987 when I was a toddler and I immediately worried that Madi would not be able to live her normal active life because I hadn’t. The symptoms were managed by my life was and is limited due to the disease. I kept my fears to myself and focused on Madi as her life was now filled with doctors’ visits, treatment plans, and the fear that her cheer days may be over. The doctor assured us that treatment was different than it was in the 80s and that she can live her normal life.

Thanks to incredible advancements in medicine and the care team at NCH Madi’s pain was managed and she was able to return to the sport she loves. We were amazed at how well she bounced back, determined not to let her diagnosis define her.

In 2024, during a routine front handspring Madi tore her ACL. Once again, her cheer future felt uncertain. She was surrounded by exceptional surgeons, physical therapists, and specialized sports PT experts at NCH who worked tirelessly to help her heal. Madi poured her heart into every therapy session by the hope of getting back on the mat.

After a year of hard work, setbacks, and small victories Madi has returned to cheer at 100%. Her resilience, along with unwavering support of her doctors, therapists, and the entire NCH team, has made it possible for her to continue chasing her dreams.

Madi is now 16 years old and her story is one of determination, hope, and the power of outstanding care. She has faced challenges that could have ended her cheer career more than once yet she continues to defy the odds with a smile on her face. Nationwide Children’s Hospital hasn’t just treated her conditions they have given her a chance to keep living her passion.