Happiness and Smiles can't wait.

She was born with a rare heart defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

At 6 months old she had her SECOND open heart surgery.

After numerous smaller procedures, she was admitted to Le Bonheur for a heart transplant workup in June 2022, where she, her mom and brother would remain until Maddie received her "forever" heart.

The family lived at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital for 7 months.

During that time, Maddie made more than a dozen visits to the Bunny Lane Toy Room.

The opportunity for Maddie to pick out a new toy before every procedure made a profound difference in her experience.

"As a young child undergoing frequent medical procedures, Bunny Lane meant the difference between a complete meltdown for Maddie and her brother or a smooth transition for them both. The Chance to 'shop' for a new toy made Maddie forget she was headed into another surgery, and even if that only lasted a moment, the experience still gave my kids the chance to be kids and briefly forget about living in a hospital." - Maddie's mom

"My favorite memories of Maddie are watching her play with the toys and art activities she picked out from Bunny Lane." Kristin Pittman, Child Life Specialist

When kids turn that corner and see all of the toys displayed on the shelves just like a toy store, their eyes light up.

That sudden burst of joy, excitement and laughter gives them an escape.

Bunny Lane toys play as distraction therapy for both pre-and post-operative patients.

Bunny Lane also provides many parents with a positive experience leading up to their child's operation.

"Bunny lane is the heart of Le Bonheur. Without it, there are days we wouldn't have made it. As a parent, it hurts that I cannot always relieve my children's fears, but knowing Bunny Lane is there to provide Maddie with comfort in her time of need gives me comfort as well." - Maddie's mom

This is our WHY. Little Wheels Big Hearts of Tennessee will continue to collect donations and toys for Bunny Lane, today, tomorrow and all year long...

Until we can become the sole provider of toys for the hospital.

This is our mission.

Thus, freeing up Le Bonheur to use the funds they have allocated to Bunny Lane for other lifesaving research and development.

Please donate today and help other children like Maddie have the best possible experience in an otherwise scary and difficult situation.