Help Madyson Win a Handicapped Accessible Van

Madyson Smith came into the world with the odds against her. She was born premature into the foster care system with an undiagnosed syndrome. Doctors said it would prevent her from living a normal life. Her twin, Mackenzie Smith, was born healthy.

But a miracle family was there to adopt Madyson at the hospital on the day she was born. Mother Debbie Smith said there was no way they would let the twins separate, so they adopted Mackenzie, too. 

"It was the right thing to do," Smith said.

Madyson's health issues included cognitive impairment, inability to speak or move her limbs and developmental delays. Madyson, now 10, went through years of therapy and is beating the odds with the support of her family and friends by walking with a walker and eating on her own.

After her twin, , Madyson continued to fight to stay strong.

Today, the 10-year-old needs your help in the journey. Madyson has entered a contest to win a custom wheelchair-accessible vehicle for her family. The Local Heroes contest, sponsored by Life Moving Forward, is in celebration of National Mobility Awareness Month.

Debbie Smith said an accessible vehicle would be a big help for her family because it is equipped with a ramp, and Madyson sits in a stroller.

"I would be able to just put her right into the stroller and push it right in the van, latch it down and go," Debbie Smith said. "It would definitely open up a lot of things for us."

Debbie Smith said Madyson is behind in votes and really needs support from the community.

To cast a vote, visit Madyson's page and fill out the information below her biography. The first time you vote, if you enter the promo code 885, Madyson will receive five votes at once. You can vote daily through May 13.