Trigger Warning:  This article discusses topics related to childhood drownings, which may be difficult for some readers.

When you imagine a miracle, hundreds of thoughts come to mind. Whether good or bad, a miracle is an outcome of hope. For many it occurs at the very last second. 

Along with many others, a child named Maddie had this happen to her. “Miracle Maddie,” also known as Maddie Wagenhoffer, went through a tragic event at 3 years old no parent or family member ever wants to experience. Maddie is the niece of Manchester Township High School English teacher, Ms. Bean. 

On February 28, 2021, 3 year old Maddie curiously went through her back door’s gate to the unlocked pool and fell in without the knowledge of her parents or brothers. After approximately 10 minutes under the water her brother Jimmy, age 13, found her unconscious and face down in the pool. 

When paramedics arrived on the premises, they were able to resuscitate her and, within minutes, arrived at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

The family was told the first 24 to 72 hours were the most critical parts for her recovery. Maddie got through this time period, however she struggled to breath on her own. She spent a month in the pediatric intensive care unit at Golisano Children’s Hospital. But she still had a long road ahead of her.

 Being underwater without oxygen for so long caused an anoxic brain injury, which is common in toddler drowning victims. Many doctors informed the family it would take much effort, and it was unlikely she would make it. Leaving the family with a big decision and Maddie on a feeding tube. The Wagenhoffer family decided to not give up just yet, determined she would persevere and rekindle their faith once again. Melissa and John; Maddie’s parents decided they were going to fight. 

This had a great outcome allowing significant improvement in her condition. Slowly she got off the medication and the sedatives, and was able to breathe over the ventilator at its lowest supportive setting. Eventually after lots of therapy she was able to have significant growth in her condition- which doesn’t happen for many. This provided a huge relief to many involved in her treatment Ms. Bean said, “It’s been really hard and it’s never not sad, but she is making progress.” 

Maddie is continuing to better herself along with the support of her family and friends. Ms. Bean has created a GoFundMe page to help provide with Maddie’s care. This has proved to be immense help in continuing her treatment. Facebook users can search for “Miracle Maddie” for updates and pictures on her condition and journey. 

It is no lie Maddie is loved by all her family and friends, she can be described as sassy, strong, “strongest kid I know” in Ms. Bean’s words, and enjoys things most kids at that age love. This may seem like a given but regarding her accident it is phenomenal she is still able to enjoy her favorite things like singing and dancing as well as watching her favorite movies Disney’s Frozen and Moana. 

This fate however didn’t just happen to Maddie, it has happened numerous times making it one of the most severe and leading causes of deaths in toddlers, and many have not been as lucky as Maddie. According to the CDC, “More children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death (except birth defects) and for children ages 1–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death (after motor vehicle crashes).” This makes drowning the leading cause of death in children. 

With around 3,960 fatal drowning accidents per year it averages out to around 11 deaths a day, and around 8,080 non-fatal drownings it averages 22 non-fatal incidents per day. More than 40% of these non-fatal accidents end with further care in the hospital. This can lead to brain damage, or long term disability. For every child who dies from drowning, another eight receive emergency department care for non-fatal drowning.

Drowning can happen anytime, so knowing when to avoid water is the best advice to prevent a tragedy. Lack of close supervision, not being able to swim, missing or ineffective fences around water, and even the location of where your swimming can play a factor in these incidents.  Preventing drowning can seem difficult to predict, but it’s as simple as going in pacts, ensuring a lifeguard is there, and making sure you know how to swim. 

There is no doubt that Maddie is a true survivor and fighter. However, it never should have happened. Ensuring you and others are safe and bringing awareness to the topic can prevent more deaths and accidents. This is the biggest way to say thank you to “Miracle Maddie”.

Big thanks to Ms. Bean who allowed this article to be published to share Maddie’s story and her courageous fight for those who love her,  as well as bring awareness to the deaths and drownings can cause with infants. To learn more, visit the CDC’s website here.