Semmes family gets new pool, courtesy of Magic Moments

June 10, 2011

Semmes family gets new pool, courtesy of Magic Moments

AL.com | June 6, 2011

SEMMES, Alabama — Thanks to Magic Moments, an organization established in 1984 in Alabama to grant non-medical wishes to children 4-18 living in Alabama with life-threatening or life-altering medical conditions, there is a new saltwater swimming pool in Semmes at the house of Chris Martin.

Martin’s 8-year-old daughter, Maddy, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy when she was only 7 months old. The disease has left Maddy with muscles too weak to lift her arms or move her legs.

“She can’t move at all out of the water except to wiggle her fingers, but in the water, she can move more. She giggles and laughs,” said Martin.

He discovered Maddy’s ability to move in water when they went on family vacations and stayed in a place with a swimming pool.

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Annual event brings rodeo to local special needs students

May 23, 2011

Annual event brings rodeo to local special needs students

The News Courier | May 21, 2011 | By Lora Scripps

As the dust settled on the Limestone County Sheriff’s Arena Friday all that could be seen or heard were the memories of smiling faces and the residual sounds of laughter and cheer. It was the close of what could only be called a “fun-filled day” by those in attendance and meant the Ninth Annual Exceptional Rodeo had taken place. All held at a location where a number of exceptional cowgirls and cowboys were offered the ride of a lifetime.

“It’s my first time on a horse,” said Rhonda Holt at lunch on Friday after taking a ride around the arena. “I like it.” Holt said her favorite part of the event had to be the horses. “Yee haw,” she giggled.

The Exceptional Rodeo drew hundreds of special needs children and adults to the arena on Alabama 99. Some hopped on horses for the ride of their lives, while others tossed ropes around the necks of man-made steers. The rodeo had everything from a man-made bucking-bull ride to tractor and mule-drawn buggy rides to a petting zoo harboring llamas, goats, ponies and rabbits.

“This is my first year,” said Logan Byrd of Athens, adding his favorite part of the event is riding the horses as well. “Today was actually a surprise.”

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Wish Comes True for Semmes Girl

March 18, 2011

Wish Comes True for Semmes Girl

WKRG | March 16, 2011 | By Devon Walsh

An eight year old Semmes girl, with a debilitating condition had a dream come true today, thanks to the Magic Moments organization. She now has a new pool in her backyard!

Maddy Martin has wanted a pool for years. She has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and is confined to a wheelchair. Her condition has worsened to the point she can’t move the majority of the muscles in her body. When asked about whether she is excited about her new pool, she uses her soft voice and raises her eyebrows. “yes, I am,” she says.

The Magic moments organization, which grants wishes to Alabama children, is granting Maddy’s wish. With the help of her father Chris, Maddy will be able to enjoy the water, along with her two little brothers. Chris Martin says the pool will be therapeutic as well. “The pool is the only way she can move, so when she sees herself moving, she gets all excited giggling and stuff. She can’t move anything accept in the water.”

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