2011 Family Advocacy Day All-stars

Meet Maryn L., Arlington, VA

Maryn is a spirited, smiley 4-year-old, who loves anything having to do with music, swimming and the outdoors. Maryn suffers from Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (PDH), a mitochondrial disorder that has left her with various disabilities including deafness, blindness, epilepsy and severe developmental delays. At age 3 Maryn entered The HSC Pediatric Center, where she spent 8 weeks defying many odds. The HSC team nourished Maryn's potential and demonstrated that hard work and the human spirit are capable of achieving the extraordinary. Thanks to their talents, focus and kind souls, PDH no longer defines Maryn. Maryn now stands in a world of promise and endless possibilities. Today, Maryn drinks from a sippy cup, communicates with pictures and verbalizations, sits up, rolls over, walks with assistance and is gaining independence in her new wheelchair. She continues to splash gleefully in the pool, sing to her favorite tunes and give huge kisses and hugs. Of course, Maryn still smiles all the time.

Meet Justin B., Tampa, FL

Justin is an adorable, bright-eyed, happy child who loves school, story-time and playing with family and friends. Justin was born at 25 weeks, weighing one pound, six ounces. Justin suffered a grade III and grade IV brain bleed which caused a condition called hydrocephalus. This condition prompted a VP shunt which is still in place. As a result, Justin was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Justin is developmentally delayed, his left side is weak, and the muscles in his legs are tight. This muscle tightness is known as spasticity. Recently Justin had a round of Botox injections in his hamstrings and inner thigh muscles. Since this procedure Justin has been able to tolerate his occupational, physical and aqua therapy better. Justin is walking with a walker and is now splashing his legs around the pool. If it weren’t for the grace of God and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Justin would not be where he is today — a happy and determined little boy.

Meet Kyla R., Mechanicsville, VA

Kyla is a very active nine-year-old, who is a third grader in the Hanover County Public School system.  She participates in baseball, soccer, horseback riding, piano, cheerleading, Girl Scouts and drama. Kyla was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in 2003, due to significant spasticity in both legs, resulting in extreme difficulties in crawling, walking and standing. Through the Children’s Hospital of Richmond network of doctors, Kyla’s family pursued an extremely aggressive treatment regimen, including a spinal surgery called a selective dorsal rhizotomy in 2004. As a result of this surgery and an ongoing intensive regimen of physical activity, coupled with weekly physical therapy at Children’s Hospital of Richmond, Kyla has become a high functioning child with cerebral palsy and plans to be a spokesperson on cerebral palsy when she grows up.

Meet Max P., San Clemente, CA

Max is a spirited boy who loves to act, swim, golf, play baseball and pal around with his brother Ellison. Max was born with a heart defect, tetralogy of Fallot. As a result, he wears a pacemaker. His family nicknamed him Turbo because it gives him an extra boost!  Max has had several surgeries for his condition at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. He loves to give back to the hospital by donating gifts and money from his charity birthdays.

Max is the Mini Darth Vader from the 2011 VW Superbowl commercial and is a recurring character on The Young and the Restless. You can also see him in Trident and DirectTV commercials. When he isn't acting or helping local charities, he is busy being a boy—adventurous and active!