Pevely resident Madison Sales, 13, is the daughter of James and Tracy Sales. She was nominated for this award by her family friend Cathy Reed. Madison has experienced a great deal in her short life thus far. Not only was she a born a preemie, but she was also born with only one kidney and was also on a “bili” bed at home for three weeks after birth due to being jaundice. She was also diagnosed with Idiopathic Hemihypertrophy; one side of her body was larger than the other. She had to undergo blood work every 6 weeks and ultrasounds every three months until she was 8-years-old, but luckily no tumors ever developed. At 9-months-old, her parents realized that her head was not developing properly due to the hemihypertrophy, so she had to wear a cranial helmet for six months.
When Madison was 2-years-old, she was diagnosed as having a chronic sleep disorder and was prescribed strong sleep agents which caused many adverse side effects. At 4-years-old, she was tested by the Thompson Center for Autism and gave the diagnosis of PDD. Due to her Idiopathic Hemihypertrophy, she has had two corrective surgeries on her legs and worn a cast on her arm.
Despite having multiple things seemingly going against her, such as health issues as well as bullying at school, she has pulled through every obstacle with grace and positivity with the help of her family. Madison is extremely close to her parents and brother Matthew. Madison has turned into a 13-year-old with dreams of becoming an author. She loves to read, write, and draw. Her favorite class is language arts because it means she gets to read and write. Last year, she faced a fear and joined the choir which she really enjoyed. She performed in her first ever concert. She also attends Circle Star Ranch where she has made quite a few friends.