A Littlest Hero: Maggie

Maggie and I met in May, and the first time she saw me she came running at me full speed to give me a ginormous hug! It was heartwarming to be accepted so quickly and without a second thought. Maggie and her sister Ella joined their parents as a family for this Littlest Heroes Project session. For more information on this amazing organization, check out their website

In the fall of 2004 Maggie's family learned that she has a rare genetic disorder, a deletion in her 15th chromosone. Maggie has Angelman Syndrome. AS, as it is commonly referred to, is associated with serious, lifelong disabilities.

These are words from Maggie's mom: "It has been difficult for us to match the profoundly sad reality of AS, with our loving, happy little girl. Maggie is much more than her diagnosis. We are still caught by moments of heartache for our little girl, but it is impossible to stay down when you are around Maggie." I couldn't agree more! Maggie has a way of exploring her world and embracing life with a vigour that attracts you. From the short time I spent with her I could tell that smiling is one of Maggie's favourite things to do!