Malina didn’t feel like a“normal” kid, she was in so much pain. She was also scared about her upcoming surgery, yet also grateful for it and faced her fears. Malina had no idea that even after her operation, it would be a rough road ahead. On her third day post-op, she encountered a lot of blood drainage in the incision area, all while doing whatever necessary in physical therapy, and without complaints.“I was amazed at her bravery and willingness to do the big steps required for healing,” said Janelle Mercurio, her Child Life Specialist at Shriners Hospitals for Children–Portland. Her journey of healing tested her in many ways, and she learned new coping skills to get her through the pain and anxiety. After further evaluation, it was also decided that another surgery would be beneficial, and she courageously faced the additional operation to avoid any further permanent damage. Even though some health issues cannot be resolved, she keeps a positive attitude and has gratitude for not getting worse.“She shows extreme bravery and brings joy to those around her,” said Mercurio, who nominated her as a Hero. Kids Wish Network is happy to reward Malina as a Hero of the Month

Kids Wish Network has been making dreams come true for children since 1997. We are dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children experiencing life-altering situations. We started with the single purpose of granting wishes to children suffering from life-threatening conditions but have since created additional programs to benefit kids nationwide, including Hero of the Month, Project Toy Drop, Holiday of Hope Gift Banks, and A Child Forever Funeral Assistance.