This is My Moment tells the stories of Madelyn and Cristian, Shriners Hospitals for Children 2019-2020 national patient ambassadors. When Madelyn, 19, was born, doctors told her family she was beautiful, healthy, tiny — and born without her left arm. Her journey with Shriners Hospitals for Children – St. Louis began when she was just 3 months old. During her childhood, she used prosthetics, mainly for balance, and occupational therapy at the hospital helped her to function and interact in the world.

Cristian, 18, was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. For several years, his parents had difficulty finding doctors who understood how best to help him. That changed in 2012, when a Shriner referred him to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Cristian was 13 when he had the surgery that he says changed his life and gave him hope, at Shriners for Children Medical Center.